Gen Z reacts to rising tensions in Middle East with dark humour on TikTok, social media

Dubbed “the most unserious generation”, Gen Z is responding to America’s strikes on Iran in the only way they know how. Vote in the poll.

The world has watched in horror as tensions have continued to rise in the Middle East.

With America’s recent strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the possibility of a war has left people across the globe feeling on edge.

The most online-generation, Gen Z has taken to social media to share reactions to the conflict with TikTok users approaching the serious topic with their typically unserious tone.

“First World War kinda nervous” is the recent trending term on the popular app with young people sharing footage of drone strikes and bombings set to pop music, including Kesha’s 2010 hit ‘Blow’.

Gen Z reacts to ‘World War 3’. Picture: TikTok

Using dark humour is how the ‘most online generation’ copes with serious news. Picture: TikTok

Other videos haved shared “WW3 outfit inspo” and reactions to hypothetically being drafted as a soldier.

While some comments have called out Gen Z for being “so unserious”, others have leaned into the trend stating that they “love being a part of this generation”.

“I wanted a summer glow up not a summer blow up,” one user commented.

“Are we still gonna have wifi tho?,” another added.

Along with videos reacting to what Gen Z has dubbed “World War 3”, other clips show individuals watching missiles soar through the sky from countries neighbouring Iran and Israel.

One TikTok shows partygoers in Cyprus dancing to ABBA’s ‘Gimme! Gimme Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’ as a shower of missiles lights up in the distance – an eerie dystopian example of what war could look like in a technology-filled world.

Some users have made videos on ‘World War 3’ inspired outfits. Picture: TikTok

Many Gen Zs feel both desensitised and disempowered. Picture: TikTok

Gen Z uses social media to process world events. Picture: TikTok

While the majority of comments attempt to find humour in the situation, others ask young people to consider that “people are actually dying”.

“Do you actually find this funny? Cause when ww3 happens and u (sic) actually lose a loved one which I hope it never happens u (sic) won’t be laughing will you?” one commenter wrote.

McCrindle Director of Advisory Ashley Fell said it was commonplace for Gen Z to use social media to process world events.
“Gen Z have grown up in a world saturated by crisis – from pandemics to climate emergencies to geopolitical conflict – and much of it has played out in real-time, on their devices,” she said.
“Constant exposure to the 24/7 news cycle, particularly via social media platforms like TikTok, has left many in this generation feeling both desensitised and disempowered.

“In the face of global events that feel overwhelming and beyond their control, Gen Z often turn to humour, not out of apathy, but as a way to process anxiety, fear, and helplessness.”

Originally published as Gen Z reacts to rising tensions in Middle East with dark humour on TikTok, social media