Doomscrolling is out, and “hopecore” is in. This hopecore trend represents a massive wave of optimistic, anti-cynicism content surging across TikTok. As of January 5, 2026, users are ditching endless negative feeds for uplifting videos that promote hope and resilience. The shift targets Gen Z, who are leveraging these clips to combat rising depression rates amid a cynical online landscape. TikTok’s algorithm is amplifying the movement, turning personal mantras into viral phenomena.
What Is Hopecore?
Hopecore emerges as a direct counter to the gloom of traditional social media scrolling. It features short, punchy videos filled with positive affirmations, serene visuals, and messages of perseverance. Creators share snippets of everyday triumphs, nature montages set to empowering music, and reminders that better days lie ahead. Unlike polished influencer content, hopecore feels raw and relatable, drawing millions of views daily. This trend encapsulates a broader push for content that inspires rather than drains.
The End of Doomscrolling
Doomscrolling—endlessly consuming bad news—once defined TikTok nights for many. Users would swipe through crisis clips, economic woes, and divisive debates, fueling anxiety. Now, hopecore flips the script. Videos interrupt the cycle with bursts of light: a stranger’s smile, a sunrise timelapse, or text overlays like “You are enough.” The trend signals a collective fatigue with negativity, as Gen Z seeks feeds that recharge instead of exhaust.
TikTok’s Role in the Surge
TikTok powers hopecore’s explosion. The platform’s For You Page prioritizes engaging, feel-good content, propelling tags like #hopecore to billions of plays. Everyday users, not just influencers, drive the wave—uploading from bedrooms, parks, and commutes. In early 2026, the trend dominates U.S. feeds, with creators collaborating across niches from fitness to faith. TikTok’s global reach ensures hopecore resonates beyond borders, but its U.S. Gen Z core keeps it grounded in local mental health struggles.
Optimism as the Core Message
At heart, hopecore peddles unapologetic optimism. Videos reject despair with mantras like “This too shall pass” or visuals of blooming flowers amid storms. Anti-cynicism threads through every clip, mocking the “everything sucks” vibe pervasive online. Creators urge viewers to focus on controllable joys—small wins, human connections, future possibilities. This content isn’t naive; it’s a deliberate rebellion, proving positivity can trend in a skeptical era.
Fighting Cynicism Head-On
Cynicism has long plagued social media, breeding doubt and detachment. Hopecore dismantles it by showcasing real optimism in action. Clips highlight community support, personal growth stories, and humor in hardship. Gen Z, often labeled pessimistic by older generations, uses the trend to reclaim narrative control. By flooding timelines with hope, they dilute cynical echo chambers, fostering a more balanced digital diet.
Gen Z’s Mental Health Lifeline
Gen Z faces unprecedented depression pressures—from economic uncertainty to pandemic aftershocks. Hopecore steps in as accessible therapy. Viewers report mood lifts after sessions of hopeful scrolls, with the trend’s brevity suiting short attention spans. It’s not a cure-all, but a daily tool for resilience. U.S. youth mental health data underscores the need; for instance, the CDC’s youth mental health resources highlight rising rates, aligning with hopecore’s timely rise.
Why It’s Resonating Now
January 2026 marks hopecore’s peak amid winter blues and New Year’s reflection. Post-holiday slumps amplify its appeal, as users swap resolutions for instant uplift. TikTok analytics show spikes in related searches, confirming the trend’s momentum. Gen Z’s embrace reflects broader U.S. cultural shifts toward mental wellness, with social platforms evolving from entertainment to emotional support systems.
Real Impact on Daily Lives
Users integrate hopecore into routines, starting days with motivational duets or ending with gratitude challenges. The trend builds habits: one video leads to journaling, walks, or outreach. Its virality creates feedback loops—shares boost creators, who produce more. While anecdotal, the volume suggests tangible mood shifts, countering depression’s grip on young Americans.
Challenges and Staying Power
Not all scrollers buy in; skeptics call hopecore “toxic positivity.” Yet its anti-cynicism edge addresses that, blending realism with hope. TikTok’s push ensures longevity, with brands and therapists experimenting with formats. As 2026 unfolds, hopecore could redefine trends, per insights from platforms tracking social media’s mental health role, like Pew Research Center’s internet and tech reports.
This viral shift proves Gen Z isn’t just surviving—they’re rewriting the rules of online engagement with unyielding hope.