Why Is the Internet ‘Failing’?


**Why Is Everyone Suddenly Discussing “Crashing Out”?**

Recently, it appears that everyone on the internet is “crashing out.” But what does that truly signify?

Well, not in the literal sense of crashing out — although, some individuals might actually be doing just that. The term “crash out” or “crashing out” has been surfacing across the web this week, and it’s nearly impossible to overlook.

For those who are not acquainted with the expression, “crashing out” primarily indicates a loss of control. According to [Urban Dictionary](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Crash%20Out), it denotes becoming extremely furious or distressed, to such an extent that you completely lose your self-control. It can also refer to someone deliberately behaving in a way that will have adverse outcomes in the long term.

If you’ve recently browsed social media, you’ve likely encountered discussions surrounding crashing out. On [X](https://mashable.com/category/twitter) (previously known as Twitter), there are viral posts employing the term frequently.

If you check [TikTok](https://mashable.com/category/tiktok), it’s even more widespread. It feels like every fifth post revolves around someone crashing out in some form or another.

There are trending posts about crashing out due to heartbreak.

There are also posts using the term to illustrate teaching toxic individuals a lesson.

Even educators are puzzled about why their students are using it.

To clarify, “crashing out” isn’t an entirely new expression. It has been in use among younger generations for some time now. Nevertheless, it appears to have gained more popularity in the past few weeks.

What has triggered this sudden increase? Well, there are plenty of reasons to crash out these days. For example, while young voters leaned towards President-elect Donald Trump in 2024, the [majority of voters](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/g-s1-33331/unpacking-the-2024-youth-vote-heres-what-we-know-so-far) under 30 still favored Vice President Kamala Harris. Many of those young Harris supporters, especially women, may feel like now is the time to crash out.

Additionally, this season can bring about [seasonal depression](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20depression%20begin%20in,is%20also%20called%20summer%20depression.), as the days grow shorter. It’s also a [common period for breakups](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/nowornever/the-joys-of-fixing-your-own-stuff-1.6706122/it-s-national-breakup-month-here-are-expert-tips-on-dealing-with-heartbreak-1.6710307#:~:text=You’re%20not%20alone.,as%20%22National%20Breakup%20Month%22.), and nothing ignites a “crash out” quite like a tumultuous breakup.

However, beyond these emotional triggers, the internet tends to latch onto specific words and expressions. It may just be “crash out’s” turn in the limelight. Back in August, when the online community was fixated on being *very demure*, I [wrote about TikTok’s impact on language](https://mashable.com/article/demure-tiktok-meaning-tiktok-language).

At that time, I commented:

> “Consider it this way: in your friend group — particularly during high school or college — you probably had buzzwords and shorthand that were unique to your group. You spent so much time together that you formed an internal language. TikTok’s effect on our vocabulary is akin, except now the friend group essentially includes everyone with internet access.”

Currently, that collective online “friend group” is focused on crashing out. While the term isn’t revolutionary, it’s trending right now. As [Mashable’s Elena Cavender](https://mashable.com/article/gen-z-internet-slang-defined-2024) has observed, the internet quickly cycles through slang. So, while we’re all smashing out at this moment, it likely won’t endure indefinitely.