Social media is a breeding ground for internet trends that can sometimes lack substance, but the latest cultural shift to take over algorithms is a little more wholesome than we’ve come to expect.

Over on TikTok, BFFs are asking each other “Do you think we’re friends in every universe?” which is followed by affectionate statements such as “I hope so”, “duh” or “obviously” – followed by a selection of pop culture scenes that represent the friends in completely different worlds.

This shows that the gravitational pull of camaraderie is a cosmic bridge that can create a shared orbit of laughter, understanding and inside jokes.

If you know, you know.

This simple but sweet exercise has already racked up over 13.2 million views and counting on TikTok and reminds us of some of the most iconic friendship duos in history from Cher and Dionne in Clueless to Scooby Doo and Shaggy.

While seemingly random, this points to a larger cultural shift at play. Growing up during what is being described as the loneliness epidemic, Gen Z is coming to increasingly value making deeper connections with the people they care about.

According to a study by YouGov, 52% of British women find it difficult to make new friends and across the pond in America 73% of Gen Z report feeling alone sometimes. Things have not been easy. 

Brands such as Hinge recognize the importance of maintaining relationships and celebrating connections, demonstrated by their recently announced Social Impact Fund that will support social groups to create IRL spaces that help young people socialise.

This trend is happening alongside a larger movement that is transforming how people think of relationships altogether. The multiverse of friendship phenomenon poses a bigger question – what might it look like to celebrate our friendships just as we would romantic relationships.

Although pop culture suggests that finding romance should be a priority for younger generations, Gen Z is expanding the traditional definitions of love and partnership on their terms.

This is evident through the rise of alternative dynamics such as ‘chosen families’ and platonic life partners (PLPs) where people are turning to platonic friends as their primary relationships.

What we’re seeing here is that another way of doing things is possible. Gen Z is no stranger to creating their own paths and in many ways, have had to.

A survey asking Gen Z and Y about their views on marriage found that 73% feel it is too expensive to get married given the current state of the economy and many are rewriting the rulebook prescribed to them by previous generations.

Naturally, this generation is looking for their own milestones and goalposts as the ones they’ve inherited no longer fit quite as neatly in today’s world.

At a time when they are saturated with hashtags and digital connections, Gen Z's prioritization of spreading friendship love online is guiding them through the complexities of life with the power of shared experiences and community support.