TikTok Users Are Using The Secret Code ‘I Had Pasta Tonight’ And It Has Nothing To Do With Dinner

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TikTok is supposed to be a fun and silly app with lip syncs, challenges, dances and funny videos. However, like every other social media platform, there is a darker side to it.

TikTok users are adding the text ‘I had pasta tonight’ to their videos and it has nothing to do with food or dinner.

What the statement often means is that the person in the video is feeling depressed, anxious or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

According to data from the CDC, Generation Z is the most at-risk generation for mental illness. Business Insider reports that the suicide rate for people aged 10 to 24 has increased by 56% between 2007 and 2017.

Social media contributes greatly to depression. Statistically, Generation Z is more likely to be on social media than not, and a study by Guildford Press concluded that there is a link between social media and poor mental and emotional health.

Sadly, young people are looking to social media platforms and strangers for help and reassurance, rather than reaching out locally to someone they trust. Whether that be a trusting family member, friend or someone close to them.

One TikTok captioned “Told my mom about my favorite pasta recipe and she made it for dinner tonight” received over 3 million views and 60,000 comments — all of which can be summed up by one user’s comment: “This comment section is my new therapy. Thank you.”

“You’re so loved,” one person replied.

“You haven’t come this far to only come this far,” another posted.

“I love you all so much it’s beyond words,” the poster commented. “Thank you so much.”

There are numerous ‘code’ phrases that are used by young people on social media to express their emotional well being. As a parent, I like to keep up with what is ‘trending’ as a cause for concern, so I can recognize these signs, whether it were to apply to my own children or others close to my family.

Captions like “I finished my shampoo and conditioner at the same time” serve as a code for help also.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Click here to learn about the warning signs of suicide.