2 weeks ago
Gen Z's dark humor signals alienation, not nihilism, psychologist says
When something serious happens, people often share funny pictures and jokes on the internet called memes.
After Luigi Mangione was arrested, many young people shared silly memes about him.
Some news commentators said this meant young people do not care about right and wrong.
A scientist who studies how people think looked at these jokes closely.
He thinks the jokes do not mean young people have no values.
Instead, he believes many young people feel lonely, frustrated, and left out.
They do not trust big institutions like insurance companies or the justice system.
Making jokes helps them feel connected to each other when serious talks feel fake.
The scientist says adults should have honest and open conversations with young people.
Telling young people to simply be serious only makes them feel even more alienated.
Luigi Mangione was arrested in December 2024 in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in New York and federal stalking charges.
Viral memes romanticized Mangione as an attractive man of the people, prompting commentators to label young Americans as nihilistic and morally indifferent.
Experimental psychologist Evan Clarkson argues Gen Z's dark, nonsensical humor reflects alienation and a desire for authentic conversation rather than a lack of values.
Research indicates Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is among the most socially isolated and psychologically distressed generations, skeptical of institutions like higher education.
Two studies under review found favorable attitudes toward Mangione were associated with higher levels of political cynicism, not just his perceived attractiveness.
- Who
- Luigi Mangione, arrested in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, along with Gen Z internet users and psychologist Evan Clarkson of Utah Valley University.
- What
- An analysis arguing that Gen Z's dark and nonsensical memes about Mangione and other events express alienation and a desire for authenticity rather than nihilism.
- Where
- The United States, including New York court proceedings and Central Park, and across online meme culture.
- When
- Mangione was arrested in December 2024; the article also references the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a charge dismissed in January 2026, and Eric Schmidt's May 2026 commencement jeers.
- Why
- Because Gen Z is socially isolated and distrusts institutions, so humor serves as a coping mechanism and a way to find solidarity when serious conversations feel inauthentic.
Critics' view: moral indifference
Researcher's view: alienation and authenticity
Interpreting Gen Z's humor
Critics' view: moral indifference
Social commentators and political pundits read the memes as evidence that America's young adults are nihilistic and morally indifferent.
Researcher's view: alienation and authenticity
Psychologist Evan Clarkson argues the humor is a collaborative coping mechanism driven by alienation, institutional distrust, and a desire for authentic conversation.
Responding to Mangione's alleged crime
Critics' view: moral indifference
Many argue killing should never be justified and that discussions should be reduced to affirmations that 'Murder is bad. Period.'
Researcher's view: alienation and authenticity
Clarkson contends such sweeping moral injunctions ignore people's actual moral attitudes, demand conformity, and further alienate Gen Z.
Key facts
- Arrest date
- December 2024
- Defendant
- Luigi Mangione, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in New York and federal stalking charges
- Victim
- Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare
- Author
- Evan Clarkson, Assistant Professor of Experimental Psychology, Utah Valley University
- Generation discussed
- Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012
- Key finding
- Favorable attitudes toward Mangione linked to higher political cynicism (two studies under review)
- Other referenced events
- OceanGate implosion, Charlie Kirk's killing, Kamala Harris 'Brat' phenomenon, Eric Schmidt jeers (May 2026)
- Source
- The Conversation
Quotes
Evan Clarkson
Assistant Professor of experimental psychology at Utah Valley University
“Gen Z’s dark and nonsensical humor does not show a lack of moral values, but it’s instead the product of its desire to engage in more authentic conversations about what they believe.”
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Sources
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