As a place where trends are born and thrive, TikTok is widely recognised as the hub for viral movements.
But some of these trends have been known to do more harm than good, where users can fall into the trap of following a craze without fully considering how it can impact them, or their followers.
In 2025, it’s predicted that TikTok will have over 955 million users worldwide, and with this is likely to come new fads and influential challenges that will shape real-world behaviours for better or worse.
With this in mind, wellness experts from DASH Water have predicted which viral trends will be considered uncool within the next year, and which mindful movements are expected to become big in 2025.
Alongside this, Georgina Sturmer, registered counsellor at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, has explored how damaging these trends are and why we should focus on mindfulness in 2025.
Georgina said: “TikTok trends have a powerful ability to influence our behaviour. Sometimes this happens at a conscious level, when we actively discuss and share trends with each other. And sometimes this happens at a subconscious level, when we don’t even really know it’s happening. When, without thinking, we are encouraging an algorithm to deliver us an ever-increasing amount of content on a specific topic.
“There is, of course, a flip side to consider. Which is that there are other trends that can have a powerful positive impact on our well-being. For example, trends that encourage us to look after ourselves and to set boundaries on our consumption of things that are harmful to us, like excessive alcohol consumption or mindless hours of screen time. So, like with all things, it’s a delicate balancing act.”
Viral trends that experts predict will be out in 2025
Overconsumption core
The rise of “overconsumption core” on TikTok has become a culture that glorifies excessive consumption of goods, often encouraging users to purchase more than they need in order to keep up with the latest trends.
Examples of this include beauty, clothing, or food hauls, and unboxing videos where content creators drive demand for unsustainable consumer habits. Not only can this trend lead to anxiety and financial strain, it can also contribute to increased waste.
Diet Cola culture
The rise of “Diet Cola culture” on social media glamorises the drink as a lifestyle choice rather than just a beverage. Influencers often showcase it as part of daily routines, associating it with productivity or self-care.
But it’s widely recognised that this trend can negatively impact health and well-being. Excessive consumption of sugary, fizzy drinks with artificial sweeteners, has been linked to a number of health concerns.
Extreme detox drinks
The trend of extreme detox drinks on social media, often marketed as quick fixes for health or weight loss, can be harmful. Promoted as part of “wellness” routines, these drinks often promise rapid detoxification or cleansing.
Though they can provide hydration and essential nutrients, they’re not a solution and should be complemented with a healthy lifestyle, including a well-rounded diet and regular physical activity, for sustained well-being.
Wasteful food challenges
Wasteful food challenges encourage excessive consumption or destruction of food for entertainment. These trends not only promote unhealthy eating habits but also contribute to food waste, disregarding the environmental and ethical issues of wasting resources.
Overconsumption of caffeine
The trend of excessive caffeine consumption and increasingly complicated coffee orders on social media glamorises drinking far more caffeine than is necessary. While this is portrayed as a lifestyle choice, overconsumption of caffeinated drinks can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other health issues.
Mindful trends that DASH predict will be big in 2025
Avoiding caffeine first thing in the morning
Skipping caffeine after you’ve woken up allows your body to wake up naturally, helping to stabilise energy levels throughout the day. Some experts say you should try waiting until mid-late morning before having your first coffee of the day.
Getting 8–9 hours of sleep every night
Prioritising 8–9 hours of sleep supports mental clarity, immune function, and overall well-being. To do this, focus on having a consistent bedtime routine and spending less time looking at screens in the lead up to bedtime.
Focus on hydration
Hydration experts at DASH Water recommend staying hydrated with delicious options such as cucumber water. The benefits of cucumber water include hydration, supporting muscle tissue, and improving skin health, and it is also rich in antioxidants. Aim to drink water—or sparkling water infused with real fruit essence – consistently throughout the day to support overall bodily functions.
To help with this, DASH Water has just launched a brand new flavour, cucumber and mint, designed to keep you hydrated with its cool and refreshing taste.
Exploring alcohol-free alternatives
Choosing alcohol-free options helps reduce the risk of long-term health issues and encourages mindful social drinking. Experts from DASH Water say there are many new, innovative and delicious alcohol-free drinks to try.
Setting screen time limits
Limiting screen time reduces eye strain and promotes better mental health and sleep. Use apps or built-in phone settings to track usage and schedule regular digital breaks.
