Someone Asked If Anyone Noticed “A Lot Of Older Teens Are Dead Inside,” And The Responses Are Honest Yet Bleak

Naperville, Illinois — A viral discussion among educators has sparked national reflection on the mental and emotional state of today’s teens. It began when a teacher on Reddit’s r/teachers forum asked a simple but haunting question: “Does anyone else notice that a lot of older teens are dead inside?” The replies poured in — thousands of comments from teachers, parents, and students, all pointing to the same troubling reality.

The original post described high school students as “like non-player characters in a game” — moving through life without enthusiasm, ambition, or emotion. “They don’t laugh or smile,” the teacher wrote. “They have friends but don’t talk. They just exist.”

Educators And Students Speak Out

Teachers from across the country echoed the concern. One educator said that students seem obsessed with wealth, noting, “The boys want to be entrepreneurs, and the girls talk about marrying elite men.” Another teacher added that students struggle to even answer basic personal questions like what their hobbies or interests are.

Many blamed the decline in real human interaction. One commenter wrote, “Growing up, my neighborhood was full of kids playing outside. Now, it’s empty. No one talks. Everyone’s on screens. People aren’t learning to navigate humans — just systems.” The teacher described this change as a “fundamental lack of love” in modern childhood.

Depression, Screen Time, And A Sense Of Powerlessness

The thread took a darker turn as users shared personal experiences with depression and hopelessness. One teacher said, “I was diagnosed with depression this year. I realized I feel powerless. The world feels out of control.” Another added, “Teens are constantly online, comparing themselves, being monitored by parents, and living under constant pressure. Everything feels expensive and pointless.”

Other users pointed to phone addiction and the post-pandemic social disconnect as key reasons why young people feel detached. One 25-year-old user summed it up: “I did everything right — got two teaching degrees — and still can’t move out or build a future. It’s hard to feel alive when everything feels stuck.”

A Glimpse Of Hope In Small Changes

Despite the bleak tone, some teachers shared signs of hope. One educator said their school implemented a no-phone policy, forcing students to talk and engage face-to-face. “Now I see them laughing and playing Uno during lunch. It’s like watching them come back to life,” the teacher said.

Others encouraged more focus on real-world connection and emotional education, suggesting that schools can help teens rebuild confidence, community, and purpose beyond digital spaces.

The Bigger Picture: Not Just Teens

Several commenters emphasized that this issue isn’t limited to teenagers. One wrote, “It’s not just kids. Adults are deeply depressed too. Everything feels expensive, stressful, and divided. It’s no wonder young people are losing hope.”

The viral thread has now become part of a larger national conversation about mental health, social media, and the growing emotional numbness among younger generations. Many agree the solution starts with awareness — and with rebuilding genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world.

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