What is the 5 4 3 2 1 trend?
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend is a popular challenge on the social media platform TikTok where users ask their partner or friend questions ranging from lighthearted to deep and personal. The format involves asking the other person to name “5 things you like about me,” then “4 places you’d like to travel with me,” then counting down to just “1 thing you’ve never told anyone.”
The trend took off in late 2021 and continues to gain popularity in 2022. It provides an entertaining way for TikTok users to get to know each other better and learn new things about their friends or significant others. The questions start broad, but get increasingly specific and intimate as the numbers count down. This builds a progression from surface-level to deeper, more vulnerable sharing.
While mainly used between romantic partners, some friends also participate as a way to strengthen their platonic bonds. The 5 4 3 2 1 questions prompt self-reflection and vulnerability from both parties involved.
Origins and History
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend on TikTok first emerged around June 2021. According to LADbible, the trend was started by TikTok user @arielle with a video asking her partner a series of questions. In the video, she texted her boyfriend asking him to name 5 things he likes about her, 4 places he’d like to travel with her, 3 reasons why he loves her, 2 things he wants to do with her, and 1 reason why he wants to be with her. The video went viral, gaining over 2 million views.
After Arielle posted her original video, many other TikTok users started participating in the 5 4 3 2 1 challenge with their significant others. By June 2021, the hashtag #54321 had over 80 million views on TikTok, showing the trend’s popularity.
How it works
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend follows a simple format. Participants make a video asking their partner, friend, or family member 5 questions they should know the answer to, 4 ideal holiday destinations, 3 favorite memories together, 2 nicknames they have for them, and 1 thing they love about them.
The questions start off relatively easy, with 5 basic questions the other person should know the answers to, like “What’s my favorite color?” or “What’s my zodiac sign?”. Then it moves to 4 dream vacations spots, 3 cherished memories, 2 affectionate nicknames, and finally 1 heartfelt thing they love about them.
The format is designed to take people from surface-level questions to deeper emotional expressions of love and appreciation over the course of just 15 questions. It often results in heartwarming and revealing videos that offer a glimpse into relationships.
Popularity and impact
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend is known as one of the most popular challenges on TikTok, generating a massively viral response from users.
The hashtag #54321 has over 9 billion views on TikTok (as of January 2023), according to TikTok’s discover page. This demonstrates the incredible reach of the trend.
Millions of users have participated in the challenge, creating their own videos listing 5 things they like, 4 places they’ve been, 3 favorite foods, 2 hobbies or interests, and 1 dream or aspiration. The simplicity of the format makes it easy for anyone to join in.
Part of the appeal is seeing the range of responses from different TikTokers. The videos provide a short but surprisingly intimate glimpse into each user’s personality and life story.
Overall, the 5 4 3 2 1 trend represents a phenomenon that spread widely and ignited engagement on a massive scale. Its popularity shows how trends can take off rapidly on social media through collective participation.
Notable examples
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend has produced many popular and viral examples on TikTok. One of the most viewed examples is a video by @andyandkristina, showing a boyfriend and girlfriend asking each other intimate questions using the 5 4 3 2 1 format (source). It has over 18 million views. Another viral example is a video by @noahbeck, which also shows a couple asking each other questions and has over 4 million views (source). The intimate nature of the questions makes these videos engaging for viewers.
In addition to couples, friends have also created popular 5 4 3 2 1 videos. @megsterr9 asked her best friend personal questions and received over 3 million views (source). @haileybieber and @kendalljenner filmed a 5 4 3 2 1 video that highlighted their close friendship and has over 17 million views (source). The trend allows friends to reveal new sides of their relationships.
Even celebrities have joined in, like Charli D’Amelio asking her followers for assumptions in a 5 4 3 2 1 format (source). Comedic takes on the trend also go viral, like @carly.incontro listing 5 foods she hates in a sarcastic rant (source). The 5 4 3 2 1 trend allows diverse, creative content.
Criticisms and controversies
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend has received some backlash from critics who claim it promotes oversharing and may reveal too much personal information to strangers on the internet. Some mental health experts have warned that publicly posting intimate details about your life can leave you vulnerable to bullying, unwanted attention, or regret later on.
There have also been concerns about minors participating in the trend and revealing sensitive information about themselves online. Child safety advocates caution that predators may exploit personal confessions shared through the 5 4 3 2 1 videos.
Additionally, some users feel peer pressured into participating or worry their responses may be judged or misunderstood by viewers. The public nature of the videos can create anxiety for those asked to share private thoughts.
Overall, while many find the trend fun and harmless, it’s important to exercise caution when publicly divulging personal information online. Users, especially minors, should be mindful of what they choose to share and who may be viewing their content.
Psychological Analysis
Experts have chimed in with thoughts on the 5 4 3 2 1 trend and what it reveals about human nature. Some psychologists note that the trend allows people to get a quick hit of dopamine and provides a sense of anticipation and suspense. The countdown format builds excitement and grabs attention in a world where viewers have short attention spans.
Additionally, the specificity and structure of counting down from 5 to 1 appeals to people’s desire for order and predictability. In a chaotic world, the straightforward sequence is comforting. However, some warn that constantly needing external stimulation like this trend can lead to dependence on social media rewards.
Overall, most experts believe the 5 4 3 2 1 trend reveals people’s innate curiosity and need for both certainty and surprise. While harmless in moderation, chasing trends for the dopamine rush can impact mental health. As with most viral sensations, approaching the trend in balance is advisable.
As psychologist Dr. Carmen Harra notes, the way people engage with trends provides insight into their personality and psyche.
Tips for Participating
If you want to make an interesting and engaging 5 4 3 2 1 video on TikTok, here are some tips:
Come up with thoughtful and creative questions that go beyond surface-level. Ask about hopes, dreams, fears, childhood memories, embarrassing moments, etc. The more revealing the questions, the better the video.
Don’t just ask basic questions like favorite color, food, etc. Make the questions personalized and specific to your relationship with the other person.
Have fun with it! This trend is meant to be lighthearted so keep the mood upbeat.
Get creative with your reactions and responses. Expressive facial expressions and body language make for good content.
Film in a visually interesting setting. Don’t just sit on your bed or couch, switch up the backdrop.
Edit the video thoughtfully. Cut out long pauses or dull moments. Pick the best clips to showcase.
Add text, effects, filters and visuals to spice it up. Music and visuals enhance the trend.
Tag it with relevant hashtags like #54321challenge #gettoknowme #coupleschallenge to increase reach.
Most of all, have fun connecting with your friend or partner! This trend is about bonding.
Future outlook
It’s unclear whether the 5 4 3 2 1 trend will have staying power or is just a passing fad. Some factors point to it continuing, while others suggest it may fade away:
The trend could persist due to its simplicity and adaptability. It’s easy for anyone to participate by just counting down in a video and adding their own twist. This flexibility allows the trend to evolve over time rather than getting stale. Additionally, the suspense created by the countdown format provides strong engagement and entertainment value.
However, like many TikTok trends, it may lose popularity once the initial novelty wears off. Social media trends are often short-lived by nature. Unless creators continue innovating within the 5 4 3 2 1 format, viewers may get bored and move on to the next viral meme. The trend’s basic premise lacks complexity for sustaining long-term interest.
TikTok’s recommendation algorithm plays a key role. If TikTok continues surfacing 5 4 3 2 1 videos, that will extend its lifespan. But if it stops promoting the trend, it could quickly die out. Ultimately, the trend’s future depends on a combination of user creativity and TikTok’s algorithms.
Summary
The 5 4 3 2 1 trend is a therapeutic technique that gained popularity on TikTok in 2022, involving counting down from five as a grounding strategy to manage anxiety or uncomfortable emotions. The trend encourages participants to name five things they can see, four things they can feel, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. By focusing intensely on their senses in the present moment, people can calm themselves and reduce feelings of panic or being overwhelmed.
The 5 4 3 2 1 technique has its roots in mindfulness practices and is recommended by mental health professionals as a coping mechanism for anxiety, PTSD, and sensory processing disorders. As a positive and accessible self-care strategy, the trend took off among Gen Z users on TikTok seeking tools for emotional regulation. When used appropriately, it can be a helpful wellness practice. However, critics argue it oversimplifies mental health treatment and should not replace professional support for those with severe conditions. While the long-term impacts remain unclear, the 5 4 3 2 1 trend points to a rising demand for therapeutic content and a willingness to openly discuss mental health on social media.
