Why Everyone Suddenly Wants to ‘Touch Grass’

How an internet meme became the hottest self-help advice

Pro Clipart / Adobe Stock

Here’s a phrase all of us are hearing more: “Go touch grass.”

Older generations may hear the suggestion as a new-age sounding prescription for self-care: Actually touch some grass or greenery. Get outside and into nature. Take a deep breath of fresh air.

They might be surprised to learn that the phrase, which now seems a ubiquitous self-help slogan, actually began as an insult.

The kids are all online, all the time

Although there seem to be few definitive resources that can pinpoint the exact emergence of the phrase “touch grass,” the consensus is that it is most popular among members of Generation Z.

Among those who spend a lot of time on the Internet, on social media, or in the gaming environment, the phrase seems to have begun as a way to tell others that they probably needed to take a step back from their computers and devices and gain a little perspective.

The phrase is popular online, but if you spend time with members of Gens Z and Alpha, you’ll also hear it used constantly in real life. And, because so many Millennials and Gen X’ers are the parents to those younger generations, members of…