Category: Types of Influences

[TLDR: The Internet makes it easy to explore anything we’re curious about, but not all curiosities lead to healthy learning. When it comes to drugs, small curiosities can lead to constant exposure to pro-drug content. Though we can’t change how the Internet is wired, we can change how we use it to ensure our curiosities don’t lead us down a rabbit hole of content we don’t want to see!]

How A Curious Click Creates a Continuous Feed

The Internet celebrates curiosity; it’s our go-to for learning new skills, discovering trends, and seeking answers. From video tutorials on YouTube to community guidance on Reddit, news on TikTok, and academic help on ChatGPT, whatever we want to know is a short search away. That’s great when it’s about “good stuff” but what happens when our curiosity drifts toward topics like drugs?

A quick chat with ChatGPT about “gettin’ high” can tell us exactly what it feels like. If you are a visual person, vlogs about countries that legalise drugs are also available. Even without abusing drugs ourselves, the web is rife with drug-related content. To make matters worse, because these topics feel taboo, we sometimes feel inclined to “self-learn” online instead of asking someone we can trust. However, such second-hand exposure can glamourise or trivialise drug abuse, similar to how violent video games could desensitise children to violence.¹

Running on algorithms that reward behaviour, a single search, click, pause, or like tells the Internet, “More of this, please.” Without realising it, momentary curiosity can gradually shift what shows up on your feed. Research has found that frequent exposure to pro-drug content online can make drug abuse seem more normal and acceptable, inducing the development of positive attitudes towards it.² That’s how online exposure quietly shapes our perception: not by pushing extreme messages, but by repeating subtle ones until they feel normal.

Increasingly with AI, our online behaviour isn’t just rewarded by algorithms but also systems designed to be agreeable. When asking chatbots about drugs, they may mirror our curiosity to seem “understanding.” This phenomenon, known as AI sycophancy, happens when AI tells us what it thinks we want to hear rather than offering balanced information. Though built to be useful, these systems unintentionally normalise or validate harmful choices. That’s why human discernment – pausing to question what we read or hear – is more important than ever.

Our Perspectives Matter

Likewise, promoting social norms around drug-free living can shape drug-free behaviour. When abstaining from drugs is seen as the norm, individuals are more likely to align with those values. Unfortunately, research shows that many youths tend to overestimate how common drug abuse actually is which can distort their perception of what’s “normal” and make risky behaviour seem more acceptable.³

This is why safe, open discussions in schools, peer circles and communities matter –  they can help unpack different viewpoints and separate fact from fiction, grounding decisions in critical thinking and shared values, not just algorithmic recommendations.

Smart Curiosity: Maintaining Online Exploration as a Positive

Staying curious is good, but we should also be aware of how our curiosities might influence us in the long run. This means making our curiosities a force for good through:

1. Scrolling smart: skip harmful content to signal disinterest to algorithms and AI systems.
2. Question what you see: just because something appears often doesn’t make it true or safe.
3. Recognise and understand deceptive marketing strategies of drug companies: see through tactics that falsely glamourise and normalise drug abuse.⁴

Reference articles: 1APA Review Confirms Link Between Playing Violent Video Games and Aggression. American Psychological Association. 2Rutherford, B. N., Lim, C. C. W., Johnson, B., Cheng, B., Chung, J., Huang, S., Sun, T., Leung, J., Stjepanović, D., & Chan, G. C. K. (2023). #TurntTrending: a systematic review of substance use portrayals on social media platforms. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 118(2), 206-217. 3Wray-Lake, L., Flanagan, C. A., & Maggs, J. L. (2012). Social norms and substance use: The role of peer and parent norms in adolescent alcohol use. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 73(3), 426–434. 4Rebranding Drugs: The Power of Cultural Influence. CNB.

[TLDR: Drug abuse doesn’t always look reckless. Sometimes, it hides behind self-care and “mental resets”. Today’s wellness-driven social media culture often reframes substances like cannabis (weed) and psychedelics as tools for “relaxation,” “soft life,” or “just vibing,” blurring the lines between genuine rest and quiet avoidance. Rest restores us, while avoidance merely postpones dealing with our problems, but wellness language makes it harder to tell them apart. When numbing ourselves (read: checking out) becomes normalised as “self-care,” what starts as occasional relief can escalate into dependency before we realise the difference.]

The New Kind of Escapism

Today’s drug abuse doesn‘t always manifest as rebellion or wild partying. Instead, it can blend in everyday talk, wrapped in soft language and rituals of the wellness movement. We are increasingly exposed to a global narrative that romanticises taking it “chill”, engaging in “mental resets” or simply “vibing” – these are universal lifestyle choices that could be helpful when done in a healthy manner.

The rise of movements like the “soft life” and “cozy aesthetic” has provided a framework for slowing down, unplugging, and protecting one’s peace. However, potentially harmful behaviours such as drug abuse have been repackaged through wellness language to sanitise and even romanticise them, allowing these habits to appear harmless or even beneficial.

For example:

• “Soft life” referring to a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation with minimal challenges or stress.¹
• “Tuning out for a sec”
• “Just vibing”
• “Disappearing for peace”
• “Microdosing for creativity”
• “Energy balancing”

These phrases resonate deeply because they sound gentle, relatable, and healing, especially to those who feel emotionally drained. Yet, when paired with messaging that directly links them to drugs, they blur boundaries and distort what true rest or recovery really looks like. We can be drawn to these narratives not necessarily to “get high,” but rather to seek temporal respite in an increasingly overworked and overstimulated world.

For those of us who might be struggling, the blurring of boundaries between wellness and risky behaviours can make it much harder to recognise when we are at risk, especially when wellness culture sometimes frames experimentation as harmless self-care or part of a “soft life” routine. This can make it easy for us – and the people around us – to misinterpret signs of stress or distress as normal ways of coping.

Early warning signs like withdrawing from responsibilities, emotionally checking out, or isolating ourselves, can be overlooked, and may escalate into curiosity for or experimentation of drugs when left unchecked. Recognising these blurred boundaries is the first step to finding safer ways to rest and recharge.

Healthy Ways to Rest and Reset

Taking a break is undeniably essential, but true rest involves giving our mind and body the necessary space to recharge without turning to substances. Here are some healthier grounding alternatives:

• Step outside and touch grass: A simple walk, even for just 10 to 15 minutes, can help clear our head and boost our mood naturally.
• Read to recharge: Trade screen time for pages. Choose something light, inspirational, or comforting to engage our mind in a different way.
• Journal your thoughts: Writing can be a powerful tool to process emotions instead of suppressing them. Even a few lines a day can help relax and release mental tension.

Rethinking What Wellness really Means

So, when does unplugging become unhealthy avoidance, and how do we tell the difference? It starts with reclaiming the true language of wellness. When drug abuse is reframed as “self-care,” the danger lies in the illusion that harm can look like healing. True wellness means seeking comfort, support, and finding peace in healthy ways without having to turn away from the realities of life.

Reference articles: 1Soft Life, Dictionary.com

[TLDR: Wellness is all the rage today and understandably so. With its popularity, some companies have taken the opportunity to promote drug products as “wellness” products while cleverly hiding its risks. Real wellness isn’t about the quick fixes. It’s rooted in unbiased research, expert advice from credible healthcare professionals and building genuine healthy habits – not branded solutions from companies profiting off them.]

What Exactly is Wellness?

“Wellness” is a major focus for many of us today. It’s more than being illness-free; it’s about nurturing our mind, body, and spirit in a holistic pursuit of well-being.

As digital natives, we often turn to the Internet to navigate our wellness journeys. After all, it is brimming with advice, supportive communities, and products promising to bring us a step closer to true wellness. The popularity and digital accessibility of wellness products have made it a booming industry, leading to innovations for chronic issues like stress, pain, and insomnia.

However, as many seek solace in such innovations, some companies are now rebranding substances – even drugs – as “self-care”, sold with comforting but misleading labels like “stress relief gummies”. This blurring of the lines often begins with the language used – words crafted to make potentially risky products sound completely safe.

Understanding The Manipulation of Wellness Language

It’s through subtle yet clever wording that some brands mask the potential dangers of their so-called “wellness” products. Language becomes a marketing tool – one that shapes perception before people even look at ingredients. Here are some common tactics to watch out for:

• Misleading Descriptors: Descriptors like “natural” or “plant-based” imply that products are safe simply because they originate from nature and ignores potential risks like drug interactions or dosage concerns.
• “Revolutionary” Concepts: Concepts like “biohacking” create hype for wellness products, but can also frame drug abuse as a sophisticated approach to self-care. These concepts typically lack long-term research to validate their use, say experts like Dr Laureen Wang, head of the Healthy Longevity Research Clinic and Well Programme at Alexandra Hospital. ¹
• Emotive Anecdotes: Personal testimonies can create powerful stories, but as convincing as they are, they are not substitutes for scientific evidence.

These tactics may seem harmless when applied to everyday supplements — but the stakes change entirely when the same language is used to position actual drugs as wellness solutions.

When Drugs Are Marketed as Wellness Solutions

We have already seen how wellness solutions are positioned as must-haves for health, but what happens when the same manipulative language is used on products containing drugs?

We might have heard claims positioning cannabis (weed/marijuana) as a natural remedy for stress relief and anxiety reduction, or Cannabidiol (CBD) retailed as a natural sleep aid. Even opioids are sometimes framed as a quick fix for pain, making it seem like simple solutions for our well-being are within reach. But wellness products may still contain harmful derivatives of drugs, particularly if the product is not pharmaceutically approved (i.e., not FDA/HSA-approved).²

In fact, our recent article had debunked some purported health benefits of weed.³ Psychobiology experts like Professor Bertha Madras confirm that despite increasingly common pro-cannabis narratives, weed is ultimately a drug that can impair cognitive function, even linked to psychosis and schizophrenia. ⁴

Spotting the Difference Between Wellness & Warning Signs

When dealing with ongoing issues like poor sleep, anxiety, or pain, it’s totally natural to look for wellness remedies. But the onus is on us to conduct thorough research through reliable sources and exercise discernment in evaluating the information we receive.

To reclaim true wellness and avoid bogus products, here are 3 simple tips:

1. Prioritise evidence-based information: weigh out information from trustworthy sources that have based their positions on robust and reputable scientific and medical studies. Avoid relying solely on social media trends, marketing claims or testimonials.
2. Consult healthcare professionals: our doctors should be trained to assess individual risks and determine the appropriateness of intervention.
3. Recognise the signs of misinformation: be wary of quick fixes and promises of unrealistic results. Pause and validate information.

When it comes to our well-being, we know ourselves best. By staying critical and seeking reliable support, we set ourselves up to build a healthy life that truly works for us, far beyond what any shortcut can offer.

Reference articles: 1Can biohacking rewrite the human operating system? Deborah Lau. Channel News Asia. 2Understanding “medical Cannabis”. Central Narcotics Bureau. 3Cannabis: The Hype, The Lies and The Influence. CNB. 4.What You Aren’t Hearing About Marijuana’s Health Effects. Allysia Finley. The Wall Street Journal.

A recent Answers.sg poll posed a seemingly simple question:

“Everyone has the choice and ability to say no to drugs. Do you agree?”

The response?

98% of more than 10,000 respondents said “Yes”.

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<br\> This article is in collaboration with MS News for The Trip: What Happened in Larspura?

[TLDR: Ever engaged with one social media post and suddenly your whole feed looks the same? That’s no coincidence – it’s the algorithm at work. What we pause to watch, click or like tells the system what to show us next. Over time, this can colour what we see – sometimes positively, sometimes not – possibly shaping how we think, and influences what we believe. Our feeds are an algorithm’s best guess at keeping us hooked, but not necessarily a reflection of reality. This article unpacks how social media’s engagement loop can trap us in echo chambers and how to scroll with intention so the algorithm works for us, not the other way around.]

Decoding Your Feed: The Algorithm’s Take on “Normal”

Ever noticed how a simple ‘like’ can quickly fill your feed with hours of similar content? That’s algorithms at work, constantly curating what it thinks you’ll enjoy, creating the illusion that you’re seeing what “everyone” is thinking or doing. Algorithms prioritise engagement, this is why some trends have gone viral, even if they encourage dangerous behaviour.

Think about the Tide Pod Challenge in 2018 which dared users to consume laundry pods. The trend landed American children in hospitals.⁴ Another concerning trend was the #A4waist Challenge which promoted unhealthy ideals of body image by challenging users to measure their waist with an A4 paper.⁵

But what appears online isn’t always a true reflection of reality. When certain messages keep appearing, they can quietly distort our sense of what’s “popular” or “normal”, and this is particularly concerning when it comes to risky behaviours. While the vast majority of our population remains drug-free, 58% of youths in Singapore are exposed to drug abuse content on social media. ¹ Long-term exposure to such content can encourage more casual attitudes toward harmful behaviour, making it seem more common or acceptable than it actually is.

Algorithms cannot evaluate content critically, but we can. The next time our feed starts shaping our perception of what’s “normal,” pause and ask: is this a true reflection of reality, or simply algorithms amplifying content that momentarily caught our attention?

The Algorithm’s Playbook: How Your ‘For You Page’ Gets Built

Social media thrives off engagement. Every click, like, comment, share or even lingering pause signals interest. These datapoints help predict future engagement: “This user liked a video on cats, so they’ll probably like these 10 other cat videos.”

This can be great for discovering new things or finding inspiration, like a new restaurant, fan theories on the hottest sci-fi show, or even empowering trends like the Ice Bucket Challenge that raised millions for ALS patients and is returning to raise mental health awareness.² However, it can also amplify harmful content normalising drug abuse or dangerous online challenges like Subway Surfing.³

You or Your Algorithm? 

The thing is, algorithms can only analyse our digital behaviour, not our intentions. A ‘like’ could be from a slip of finger. Sharing a video about drug abuse could be from shock, not because we resonate with it.

Here’s the kicker: algorithms will show similar content regardless of how we feel about it, just so we keep scrolling. This is how we become trapped in echo chambers. It’s hard to break out of these loops and because we naturally look to our peers for social cues on what’s normal, acceptable or even cool especially in our teens and twenties, it’s easy to overestimate how common certain behaviours are.

Imagine if a new challenge involving drug abuse were to emerge.

A Quick Guide to Smart Scrolling

While we can’t change how algorithms work, understanding their influence is key. To navigate these influences, consider these three tips:

1. Question what seems ‘normal’: Think critically about trends – ask ourselves if these are actually common, or are we just seeing such content repeatedly because the algorithm thinks we’re interested?
2. Diversify our digital diet: Explore new topics intentionally. By searching for diverse perspectives, we can break repetitive cycles and signal to algorithms to show broader ranges of content.
3. Understand the marketing strategies of companies: Be aware of content that makes risky behaviours look exciting, consequence-free, or socially rewarding. See through tactics that falsely glamourise vices like drug abuse. ⁶

These three tips can help us tell the difference between what’s genuinely valuable and what’s just trying to grab our attention. Think of it as mental self-defense: spotting subtle manipulation, resisting the pressure to conform and making conscious choices about what we watch, like, or share. Social media algorithms are designed to capture and hold our attention, but they don’t have to control our perceptions of reality. By questioning what we see, we transform from passive consumers into active curators of our own experience.

The outcome? We make sure social media works for us, not the other way around.

Reference articles: 1“Soft” Drugs? There’s No Such Thing. MHA. 2Brace yourselves, the Ice Bucket Challenge is back, The Guardian. 3What is Subway Surfing, the Shocking Deadly TikTok Trend? Teens risk lives for viral videos. Here’s what it is exactly and has anyone lost life by indulging in risky behaviour, The Economic Times. 4Teens are daring each other to eat Tide pods. We don’t need to tell you that’s a bad idea. The Washington Post. 5Why would anyone take the A4 skinny waist challenge? BBC. 6Rebranding Drugs: The Power of Cultural Influence. CNB.

[TLDR: We all want to care for the people we love – but when drugs enter the picture, things get complicated. Loving someone who abuses drugs, or supporting a friend in that situation, can blur into enabling. From emotional strain to legal risks, their choices can affect both them and us. That’s why honest boundaries, checking in with friends or professionals, and  standing firm against habits that can cause harm matter. Supporting someone doesn’t mean excusing drug abuse, it means caring in a way that protects everyone involved.]

In our latest episode with SGAG, we hit the streets of Singapore to ask: “Would you date someone who abuses drugs?” The answers were a mix of firm “no”s and thoughtful “it depends”s. Some drew a clear line and said no, pointing to personal boundaries. Others hesitated, saying things like, “It depends on their personality,” or “I would, but it could come to a point where I wouldn’t if there are repetitive bad habits”.

The mix of answers says a lot. It shows how complicated relationships alongside the decisions around drugs can be. Love, loyalty, and concern often collide with our personal values and limits. It also reveals what we all, at the back of our minds know – that it’s tough getting a person off drugs once addicted.

Why Boundaries Can Be Hard to Draw

We live in a generation that values empathy and inclusivity. We want to understand, not judge. We try to see the good in people and give them second chances. But sometimes, that very empathy makes it harder to say no even when we know we should. We might tell ourselves, “They just see things differently,” or “I can help them change.”

Some of us may also hold on to the “love can save” belief — thinking that if we care enough, we can pull someone out of bad habits. But love, on its own, isn’t always enough. Without boundaries, what starts as care can slowly turn into covering up, excusing, or enabling harmful behaviour.

And it’s not just personal feelings that make things complicated. The world around us shapes how we think too. With global media portraying certain drug abuse as casual or “normal”, it’s easy to internalise more liberal views and start seeing drug abuse as “not that bad”.

But here in Singapore, we have supported clear laws for a reason – to protect lives and communities. Recognising these influences helps us make grounded choices that keep both compassion and safety in balance.

The Ripple Effect: When One Person’s Choices Affect Many

Drug abuse doesn’t only affect the person taking drugs – it ripples through partners, friends, and even families. We might notice shifts in routines, school or work performance, or mood. Emotional stress can build up, and sometimes there’s pressure to participate or cover up risky behaviour.

If a friend is dating someone who abuses drugs, checking in can make a real difference. Even a simple “Hey, are you okay?” can open the door for an honest talk that’s desperately needed, or the nudge to seek help. Supporting someone doesn’t mean solving their problems alone. It means being present, listening, and helping them connect to the right resources. Whether it’s about us personally or someone we care about, knowing when to help and when to step back matters.

Safe Boundaries vs. Risky Blind Spots

It’s natural to want to help the people we love but there’s a difference between supporting safely and enabling harm. Safe boundaries mean encouraging a friend or ourselves to seek professional help, checking our own limits, and recognising when someone’s choices could put others at risk.

Risky blind spots happen when we excuse or cover up dangerous behaviour, feel pressured to join, or ignore our instincts because of loyalty or empathy. In those moments, we’re accepting harm or disregarding personal and social boundaries in the name of care.

Setting boundaries and standing by them isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. Boundaries help us protect ourselves and allow us to care in a way that is responsible and sustainable.

How We Can Help a Friend or Ourselves Safely

When we or someone we care about is in this situation, we can still act responsibly without putting ourselves in harm’s way. Checking in regularly, asking open questions, and noticing changes in behaviour or mood can help us respond with empathy and awareness.

If things seem serious, it’s important to know our limits and encourage professional support. Because supporting someone doesn’t mean carrying all their weight. It’s okay to reach out for help, from friends, counsellors or community organisations, for example:

• National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) at the Institute of Mental Health offers inpatient detox, outpatient care, and family programmes that help individuals and loved ones work through recovery together.
• The Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) supports persons-in-recovery and their families through aftercare and reintegration services — including case management and Step-Up Centres that help rebuild routines and social connections after rehabilitation or release from programmes with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) or Singapore Prison Service.
• WE CARE Community Services provides counselling, recovery support, and workshops for both individuals and families navigating addiction and its ripple effects.

Reflection Time

It’s a privilege if we’ve never had to deal with the effects of drugs in our lives. But one day, we might find ourselves in a situation where it hits closer to home – dating someone who abuses drugs, or supporting a friend who’s struggling. Would we “shoot our shot,” or would we know where to draw the line?

Love and care are important, just as protecting ourselves and others is a priority. Reaching out when we’re unsure and supporting friends responsibly are ways we can show love without putting others at risk.

[TLDR: Being open-minded shows curiosity and acceptance. But wanting to fit in can blur boundaries and make us say yes to things we normally wouldn’t even entertain the thought of including harmful choices like drug abuse. Saying no to friends is tough, but true open-mindedness is about listening and reflecting, not about blindly following.]

Open-mindedness: Gen Z’s Unexamined Virtue

For many Gen Zs, being open-minded isn’t just a good trait — it’s almost a badge of honour. It signals curiosity, acceptance, and a willingness to explore new ideas. Saying “I’m open-minded” often earns approving nods because it shows that we’re progressive, accepting, and not quick to judge.

It’s easy to see why. In WeKayPoh’s conversations with youths, they were quick to admit that they were open-minded. From trying new foods to spontaneous adventures like bungee jumping, it’s seen as a gateway to growth, discovery, and connection. ¹ In a generation that values diversity and individuality, open-mindedness feels like the key to understanding others and the world around us.

The Social Pull of being Open-minded

For many youths, being open-minded can also feel like a shortcut to belonging. It helps us blend in, prove we’re not uptight, and find common ground with others  – especially for youths figuring out their identity, it can be tempting to prove we’re not the odd one out in a group.

It doesn’t help that our digital culture reinforces this. We’re often surrounded by memes, soundbites, and influencers championing “good vibes only” and “don’t knock it ‘til you try it.” Offline, friends joke about “never say never,” and saying no can make us seem boring or closed off. Over time, the pressure to appear easy going and accepting can blur the line between genuine curiosity and just saying yes to fit in.

When Curiosity Turns Risky

That’s when not having the right understanding of what is true open-mindedness slips into risky territory — especially around issues like drug abuse. What starts as curiosity or wanting to keep up with friends can quickly turn into ignoring red flags. The intention might be to stay open to new experiences, but without discernment, we risk letting peer pressure override our instincts.

Just like the youths in WeKayPoh’s video shared, the pros of “open-mindedness” don’t quite apply when it comes to drugs, and it is important for us to stand our ground against drug abuse. ¹

Blind Spots in the Narrative

Here’s what often gets missed: the very idea of being “open-minded” can sometimes close our minds in subtle ways. When applied to drug abuse, this can manifest as a reluctance to question peer narratives, an eagerness to dismiss risks, or a feeling of obligation to try anything once.

• “Just once won’t hurt” can make us doubt what we already know
• “It’s just for fun” minimises risks and makes harmful choices seem trivial
• “Don’t be the odd one out” banks on our fear of exclusion to undermine our instincts

In another article, we highlight three common lies people tell themselves about drugs – that drug abuse is acceptable in moderation, that it is a personal choice and that it is not harmful because it is legalised overseas. All three lies lean on the twisted idea of open-mindedness by downplaying the dangers of drug abuse.²

Redefining Openness: Empathy with Boundaries

Let’s be real, most of us already know the costs of drug abuse – the legal trouble, health risks, broken trust, the struggle with withdrawal symptoms. Many youths in Singapore are aware, just as we see in WeKayPoh’s street interview.¹

The true challenge here is to recognise that openness isn’t about giving every idea a free pass, it’s about considering all realities critically and applying discernment.³ We can listen, empathise and understand why some are more vulnerable to drug abuse, while staying rooted in your personal values that protect ourselves and our loved ones. The next time you feel nudged to be “open-minded,” ask yourself: am I being curious, or am I ignoring my instincts just to blend in?

Reference articles: 1Would you consider yourself to be open-minded? by WeKayPoh 2The Unfiltered Truth on Drugs: 3 Lies About Drug Abuse 3How I fell into The Trap of Being “Open-Minded” by ribbit.fyi

[TLDR; The “you do you” philosophy sounds empowering, but it’s become a cultural shield that stops us from questioning harmful choices. From its roots in self-help culture to its weaponisation in normalising drug abuse, this seemingly innocent phrase vilifies the calling out of destructive behavior and is seen as “judgmental”. But what happens when personal freedom excuses everything – good, bad, and the in-between?]

“You do you” has evolved from a message of inclusivity to a cultural mandate that shuts down even constructive criticism. It’s no longer a phrase celebrating inclusivity, but rather a stance embodying complicity. Worse, under the guise of advocating personal freedom, it can be weaponised to enable harmful behaviour.

Imagine saying “you do you” to drug abuse – is questioning drug abuse judgmental? A recent episode of The Daily Ketchup features real stories of “you do you”, revealing how easy it is to misuse the term as a tool to shut down tough conversations – even when your instincts say something’s wrong.

How did We Get Here?

Social movements championing body positivity or condemning hustle culture have birthed “you do you” as a positive affirmation. Originally meant to empower people to live authentically, the sentiment behind it has shifted from “be yourself” to “don’t judge or call out anyone for anything”. For example, the “we listen, and we don’t judge” social media trend started out for laughs and as a well-meaning piece to encourage people to share their stories. However, it could also enable toxic behaviour and label those who dare question it as controlling.

Think about the companies who are curating marketing campaigns that frame drug abuse as a lifestyle choice. In America, many cannabis companies have introduced “budtenders” in the retail stores, a creative albeit misleading term used to describe salespeople. ¹ Budtenders typically have a youthful appearance, a clever tactic to soft sell to youths by being relatable. These salespeople don’t hard sell cannabis and seemingly allow youths to make their own choices, but in reality, they are still exerting influence on youths. The results show – such marketing campaigns have been linked to increased drug abuse in American youths .¹

“You do you” and its Fatal Flaws

Our views are undeniably shaped by our surroundings – friends, influencers, comment sections, and even our “For You” Page on TikTok. If our surroundings hold great influence on us, then are our choice truly “ours” or are they led by others? In our haste to validate our friends, has “you do you” become an excuse to avoid holding others accountable? NCADA’s 2023 National Drug Perception Survey² revealed that 18% of 3,000 youths know someone who has abused drugs. This statistic tells us that the drug issue is not as far removed as we thought it to be, and caring enough to have the courage to speak up could be key to making a difference.

Speaking Up Doesn’t Have to Mean Calling Out

Youth drug arrests under 20 rose 30% in 2024.³ This alarming statistic suggests that youths have been particularly susceptible to influences promoting drug abuse. Telling someone “you do you” might sound supportive, but when it comes to drugs, it can actually discourage intervention.

Standing your ground doesn’t have to be loud. It can look like:

• Checking in privately

• Asking “Are you okay?” or “How can I help you?”, which shows that you care for your friend instead of blindly validating their actions.

• If someone says, “I tried it overseas, it’s normal there,” you don’t have to argue. A soft response like “I get that, but risks don’t vanish just because it’s legal elsewhere,” can open doors for deeper conversation.

Know Your Stand and Why

Ignore the noise from peers or social media when reflecting on your views. Truly owning your stance – especially one grounded in facts, empathy and awareness – makes it easier to navigate peer pressure. Encouraging critical thinking and being supportive (where it counts!) creates space for real autonomy.

Closing Thoughts

The “you do you” culture promised freedom but delivered cultural conformity to conflict avoidance. We need more open conversations and safe spaces, not bystanders and silent judgment. Saying “you do you” might be appropriate in certain scenarios but when it comes to drug abuse, the phrase often does more harm than good. The next time you feel like taking the easy way out by just saying “you do you,” use your newfound knowledge to judge if saying it will actually be helpful.

Doing so could pave the way for others to follow suit. Plus, we’re also helping ourselves when we look out for others, and that is just one more of the many reasons to speak up against drug abuse today. So, what kind of friend do you want to be? One who avoids tension by using “you do you”? Or one who protects by sparking a change?

Reference articles: 1Marijuana ads are enticing kids to try weed, study says. CNN 2NCADA 2023 National Drug Perception Survey 3Central Narcotics Bureau, Drug Situation Report 2024

This article does not have a featured image.

@watermelonmuncheryfm his bumbum hurt after he fell 😩 (edit : I SAW HIM TOOK K UNDER HES SHIRT ALSO YA SO STOP W ACCUSATIONS)#kpod#finalboss#sgxs#sgtiktok#drvg#quit#funny♬ admire the perc – !

@t.nbac35#lấy♬ nhạc nền – 🌾🌾 buồn cho đời mình 🌾🌾

A recent Answers.sg poll posed a seemingly simple question:

“Everyone has the choice and ability to say no to drugs. Do you agree?”

The response?

98% of more than 10,000 respondents said “Yes”.

<br\>

<br\>

<br\> This article is in collaboration with MS News for The Trip: What Happened in Larspura?