Axis Conversations Roundtable: Group 7, Trans Identities in Decline, and The Dead Internet Theory
Oct 24, 2025
Discover why TikTok's 'Group 7' is trending among Gen Z and its implications for online identity. Explore the worrying decline in young people identifying as trans and non-binary, examining potential causes. Delve into the perplexing rise of AI-generated articles, which now make up over half of internet content, raising questions about originality and quality. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Dead Internet Theory, pondering if personality will emerge as a key asset in a landscape dominated by bots.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Algorithmic Belonging Sparks Tribal Identity
- The Group 7 TikTok trend reveals how algorithms can create spontaneous tribal belonging.
- CJ Phan and Evan Barber tie this to a deeper human desire for identity and belonging.
Stable Identity vs. Transient Labels
- Tim Keller advised presenting the gospel as an identity that cannot be taken away.
- The hosts link that to Gen Z's search for stable identity amid transient cultural labels.
Drop In Youth Trans Identification
- Dr. Jean Twenge's analysis shows trans identification among 18–22 year olds fell sharply in 2024.
- The hosts stress the trend is notable but caution data and causes remain uncertain.
