For generations, Friday the 13th has been regarded as the unluckiest day on the calendar. But in today’s youth culture, the fear has largely transformed into fascination. What was once a taboo steeped in superstition is now being reimagined as a vibe; dark, ironic, and heavily filtered through TikTok, astrology memes, and vintage horror aesthetics. In short: Gen Z isn’t afraid of Friday the 13th. They’re monetizing it.
Historically, the fear surrounding Friday the 13th, clinically known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, stems from a blend of religious, numerological, and folkloric beliefs. The number 13 has long been associated with bad luck, and when paired with Friday, traditionally seen as a day of misfortune in some cultures, it has created a date avoided by travelers, investors, and even surgeons.
But in 2025, scroll through social media and you’re more likely to see users celebrating Friday the 13th with themed playlists, horror film watch parties, and limited-edition merch drops. “It’s more aesthetic than actual fear,” says 22-year-old content creator Mei Delgado, whose “Friday the 13th Outfit Inspo” video on TikTok went viral last year. “We turn bad vibes into fashion. It’s camp.”
Major brands are catching on. From black cat-themed drops by indie beauty labels to horror-inspired capsule collections by streetwear companies, Friday the 13th has become an economic opportunity. Limited-edition product lines timed around the superstition now appeal to a generation that leans into irony and dark humor.
This shift reflects a broader Gen Z trend: the embrace of taboo, mythology, and counterculture as tools for self-expression. In a world of curated chaos, from climate anxiety to digital burnout, Gen Z is taking old fears and reframing them as playful rebellion.
For many young people, Friday the 13th isn’t just an ironic celebration, it’s a safe way to explore fear. According to Dr. Lia Morgan, a psychologist specializing in media and youth behavior, “Engaging with scary or superstitious themes like Friday the 13th allows people to externalize anxiety in manageable doses. It’s a controlled catharsis.”
This may explain the enduring popularity of the “Friday the 13th” horror franchise, which continues to find new life through reboots, fan fiction, and TikTok lip-syncs. The masked villain Jason Voorhees is now more meme than monster.
Despite the rebranding, some traditional superstitions persist. A recent YouGov poll found that 15% of Americans under 30 still avoid major decisions like flying or job interviews on Friday the 13th. But those who fear the day are increasingly outnumbered by those who see it as a niche holiday for creativity and chaos.
And yes, some people still skip the 13th floor on elevators. Old habits die hard. Ask a boomer, and they may recall travel cancellations or tense moments in boardrooms on this day. Ask a Zoomer, and they’ll show you a playlist titled “Bad Luck Bops” and a selfie in a vintage hockey mask.
For younger generations, Friday the 13th has become a day to own, not avoiding where bad luck is recast as boldness and superstition becomes a curated identity. With the addiction to social media, you’ll see users celebrating the day with:
- 🎧 Themed playlists
- 🎬 Horror film watch parties
- 🛍️ Limited-edition merch drops
In today’s culture, Friday the 13th isn’t cursed, it’s trending. Whether it’s horror-core fashion, haunted house content, or a late-night tweetstorm on retro witchcraft, Gen Z has made one thing clear: they aren’t afraid of the dark. They’re running the merch table there. With that in mind, no fear this Friday 13th, its National Cupcake Lover’s Day, also known as Cupcake Lover’s Day, is being observed! It is observed annually on June 13th.
Have a wonderful Friday~
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