Therapists now say Gen Z clients often talk through memes instead of feelings, like showing a 'this is fine' dog when describing anxiety—what happens when our self-expression is…

A closer look

Imagine therapy sessions that sound less like confessions and more like meme reviews. Instead of 'I’m stressed,' it’s a screenshot of a melting SpongeBob. Instead of 'I feel empty,' it’s a void meme with pixelated stars. For some, it’s easier to borrow internet humor than find raw words. But behind the laughter lurks a question: when memes become our therapy language, are we translating emotions—or hiding them in punchlines?