Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with Adult Pacifiers: The Viral Stress-Relief Trend Explained

Move over fidget spinners, Gen Z has a new way to cope with stress: adult pacifiers. What started as a quirky trend in China has gone global, with thousands of young adults turning to silicone soothers for comfort. TikTok is flooded with clips of people using pacifiers in traffic, during work, or while battling late-night anxiety, some videos racking up millions of views.

Some buyers report buying multiple designs, treating them like collectible wellness tools. One user shared, “It gives me psychological comfort and stops my fidgeting.”

So, why pacifiers? Experts point to the “regression phenomenon”—a psychological response where adults under intense pressure seek comfort in childlike behaviors.

According to a 2023 Cigna International Health survey:

• 98% of 18-to-24-year-olds report experiencing burnout symptoms

• 91% say they are regularly stressed

Sucking on a pacifier mimics an infant’s natural calming reflex, slowing heart rate and reducing anxiety. Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, explains that oral soothing is deeply wired into the human nervous system and it doesn’t necessarily stop working after infancy.

Despite the hype, health professionals are urging caution. Dr. Tang Caomin, a dentist based in Sichuan, warns that pacifiers designed for babies can harm adult dental structures. Risks include:

• Jaw misalignment

• Bite issues

• Potential suffocation during sleep

“These devices aren’t meant for adult anatomy,” says Dr. Tang. “Using them regularly especially while sleeping can be dangerous.”

Experts recommend using them only briefly during stressful moments and considering safer alternatives like therapy, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.

Gen Z is famously open about mental health. According to a 2019 American Psychiatric Association report, 37% of Gen Zs actively seek therapy, compared to lower rates among older generations.

Their approach to self-care is highly individual and sometimes unconventional. From viral memes to pacifier-powered mindfulness, Gen Z is rewriting the rules of how young adults manage anxiety and burnout.

As one user said: “Adulting is brutal, but self-care doesn’t have to be.”

Whether this trend is a fleeting fad or a sign of deeper mental health needs, one thing is clear: Gen Z is finding unique, sometimes surprising ways to survive a stressful world. From adult pacifiers to online therapy apps, they’re pushing boundaries in how we define wellness and comfort.

(Rh/Eth/VK/TL)