This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
What is hopecore? The answer is somewhat in the name. Hopecore is TikTok’s favorite tactic to combat doomscrolling. I know when I’m feeling stressed or even a little depressed, I can count on this hashtag for a serotonin boost. Hopecore has been a pleasantly supportive trend across social media (mostly TikTok) where people share videos to give their audiences happy and hopeful feelings. These videos usually contain a good deed, a wholesome surprise, positive messages, or some sorely needed happy news. Think families reuniting, helping strangers, cute animals finding homes, and just sharing the joy. So here the top ten hopecore videos that make my day!
10: Sharing Laughter with Others
Laughter is simultaneously the best medicine and incredibly contagious. Two phrases that shouldn’t work together, but they do. This compilation features infectious moments of joy from harmlessly pranking reporters, athletes showing kindness to their young fans, and bowing to many Game of Thrones fans’ favorite queen. The reminder to be grateful for the silly and sweet moments in life is a welcome one.
9: Flowery Surprises for Strangers
If you’ve ever received flowers, you know just how kind the gesture can be. The only flower I’ve ever received was from a complete stranger, much like the people in this compilation. The small surprise left a smile on their faces. You could even see similar smiles on the faces of the men who orchestrated these “chance” giftings. While you might not go out of your way to give everyone flowers, the little things strangers could do for others shows just how beautiful life can be. Truly Inspiring!
8: Life’s Surprises
Unfortunately, sometimes families must be separated, whether it be for deployment, colleges, jobs, or anything else that may take you away from the people you love the most. However, the best part is, you could always reunite. Reunions are filled with a variety of powerful emotions. Sometimes we are lucky enough to share those moments with strangers over the internet who wish to share their special surprises. Enjoy the moments you share with others, and the reunions you may have.
7: A Special Message for Dr. Brown
Dr. Brown, a college professor at Chapman University who always tried to make his classes feel special was astonished by his students wanted him to feel the same way. This video comes from Isabella who was one of the students involved in this viral surprise. Starting college on Zoom was a difficult time for many reasons, but Dr. Brown’s freshman foundation course helped his students. Their way of thanking him was to create signs for the last class of the semester and surprise him once they turned their cameras on. The teacher greatly appreciated their efforts as much as they appreciated him. A returned act of kindness and support.
6: Sharing the Joy on Someone’s Special Day
When it comes to weddings, “best” might be reserved for the best man but these brides and bridesmaids show what small acts of kindness can do to make a special day just a little more special. Sometimes the job of the bridesmaid is helping the bride cool down in her bustling ballgown or stepping on her dress before it flies over her head. Other times it’s moving the officiate for a picture-perfect kiss and helping her eat without staining. While brides who wish to share their special day use their bouquet for a beautiful proposal. Weddings bring people together as much as kindness does the same. Kindness is motivating and the things we do to make others happy will, hopefully, always be appreciated.
5: Waylon Enrolls Himself Into Doggy Daycare
Waylon was a stray yellow lab who became famous for trying to enroll himself in doggy daycare by chasing down the owners. After watching Waylon chase their doggy daycare bus along its route, Tyson and Ashten Cash decided to try and find the owners of this outgoing canine. Only to find he was willingly surrendered by his previous owner. One of their customers, Sadie Peace, fell in love with this wonderful boy. Peace and her boyfriend scooped him up (literally) and took him home. Waylon now gets to play every day with his sister and their friends on the same bus he chased down a month before. Now we can see him enjoying his life on the TikTok account he shares with Nelli.
4: Babies Making Friends Wherever They Go
In this compilation type hopecore video, we find the simple act of a child’s smile and laughter brightening up the days of complete strangers. Many people believe that a child’s laughter can make anyone’s day, and this compilation is damning evidence. While these bundles of joy are just enjoying life as they understand it and making friends with every person they see, they’re also helping without even realizing it. They make the day of those around them slightly better with a simple reach of their chubby little hands or random hugs. Which pairs nicely with the video’s advice to “be happy,” just like these little ones.
3: Rescue Dog Receives her First Bed
For many pet owners, nothing feels better than to be the one who lets your dog experience a first. After four families, Dixie struck gold with her fifth. This beautiful girl finds safety and comfort when she receives her first bed ever at only a year old. She takes to her prized possession right away. Dixie is quick to express her gratitude. Rescue dogs often have a hard time finding the right home after losing their previous owners, for whatever reason, but Dixie sure has found her forever home with her owner Anita Myatt and the rest of their family.
2: Jeanne and Steve Reunite After 42 Years
Jeanne Gustavson and Steve Watts fell in love with each other over 42 years ago but were forced to separate because of Jeanne’s mother. The two lovebirds approved of each other at first sight, but her mother disapproved of interracial relationships. The two tried to move one, but they could not forget each other. Jeanne longed for Steve for decades and failed many times to find him again. They reunited last year when she finally found him in a nursing home. He’d had a difficult life with divorce, homelessness, and suffering from two strokes. The two married shortly after. Fortunately, love persists, and Jeanne and Steve’s story is adored by many hopeful romantics.
1: Teacher Adopts his Student and Saves his Life
Dr. Brown is not the only teacher to help his students through tough times, Finn Lanning went above and beyond for his student-turned-son, Damien. Lanning is a middle school math teacher who was devastated to learn one of his best students was leaving the school. Although Damien enjoyed Lanning’s class, he was a foster child without medical or familial support. He needed to be moved into a hospital for a chance at better treatment. Unfortunately, for many kids in that situation, it is difficult to get the level of care he needs without a family. Lanning made the decision to become Damien’s family. Damien was able to receive the transplant he needed and a new dad.
What is Hopecore?
Hopefully, these videos are enough to answer that question and to brighten up your day. The internet is often a place of negativity, but at least hopecore shines brings a little positivity to everyone’s FYPs.
What do you think of hopecore? What are some things that make you feel better about the world? Let us know in the comment section below!
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