Digital poetry, the new comfort for generation z

"When inner chaos becomes a poem, Generation Z finds solace in words." Who would have thought that in the digital age, where emotions are often expressed in emojis and ephemeral stories, poetry would resurface as a form of well-being? On TikTok and Instagram, the art of writing poetry is booming, attracting millions of views and creating a genuine wave of young digital poets. This phenomenon, which may seem anachronistic, has all the appeal to captivate new generations. On social media, minimalist videos where young people share their verses, often set to melancholic music and in a soft, intimate atmosphere, captivate millions of viewers. In our increasingly hyper-connected society, where communication is instant but often dehumanized, poetry seems to offer a respite—a place to reconnect with oneself and give shape to life's diffuse emotions.

Behind this sudden popularity, social media plays a crucial role in making writing accessible to everyone, without the formality of classroom desks or poetry anthologies. The poetry found on TikTok bears little resemblance to the aesthetics of the great classics: it is raw, direct, and often minimalist, characterized by a sincere and stripped-down tone. Young poets express existential questions, romantic doubts, and personal anxieties in a few impactful lines, often compared to "modern mantras." Short poems like "Do you want us to continue? Yes or no?" have gone viral, striking with their simplicity, which nonetheless resonates with many young people’s dilemmas. While some critics label these creations as "simplistic" or "too naïve," young authors see them as an authentic way to put complex feelings into words and share them with a receptive and supportive audience.

This poetic revival is part of a broader trend of accessible art therapy, where writing becomes a practice of self-care and collective catharsis. Psychologists and mental health experts agree on the benefits of poetry in structuring thoughts and soothing emotions. According to Nathalie Hanot, a psychologist and art therapy expert, "Poetry, with its rhymes and rhythm, offers a structure that helps shape anxiety and transform emotional chaos into an ordered experience." Online poetry brings together young people seeking comfort, who find themselves reflected in simple, accessible words. The emergence of "instapoets" like Rupi Kaur, who popularized this minimalist and impactful style on Instagram, paved the way for this poetic democratization, where anyone can embrace the art of writing without fearing judgment or comparison to classic poets. On social media, poetry thus becomes an outlet and an accessible space for introspection, allowing words to become a remedy for inner turmoil.