On the Radar: Teen Values, #RichTok and ChatGPT Health, Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

Teens Largely Prioritize Well-Being Over Popularity

What? A list compiled by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA found that teens in 2025 valued safety, kindness and self-acceptance above many other traits, including physical fitness (No. 6), physical attractiveness (No. 8) and popularity (No. 12).

So What? Researchers hypothesized that “rather than chasing attention, today’s young people are prioritizing stability, connection and emotional well-being.” But the study also suggested that teens may look to media for examples of these priorities.

Now What? Rather than lecture your teens on how to achieve their goals, try to get on their level. Be honest about how you’ve approached these priorities at different phases of your life. And look for entertainment options that depict realistic, relatable examples of how to be kinder or how to change the world.

#RichTok Can Cause Growth … and Envy

What? “RichTok” is a niche topic on TikTok and other social media platforms where wealthy influencers or financial influencers (“Finfluencers”) show off their glamorous lifestyles and occasionally offer some investing advice. Unfortunately, despite followers in the millions, the vast majority of financial advice found on social media is misleading, according to Social Capital Markets.

So What? You might think your teens are too young to invest (and that may be true), but a survey by the World Economic Forum found that 30% of Gen Z started investing in early adulthood—i.e., right out of high school. And a 2023 study conducted by Forbes found that nearly 80% of young adults turn to social media for financial advice.

Now What? Obviously, you’ll want to verify any financial advice you or your teenagers learn online. However, I’d strongly caution against #RichTok content regardless. A writer for Thred noted how many young people might watch this content as a form of escapism—a way to daydream about the life and the stuff they could have. But it can also generate feelings of frustration or envy. Remind your kids that we’re told to be good stewards of our money (Matthew 25’s Parable of the Talents comes to mind), but we’re also reminded that the “love of money” (1 Timothy 6:10) is dangerous. And we can’t serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).

OpenAI Beta Tests ChatGPT Health

What? Due to the high number of health inquiries that ChatGPT receives on a regular basis (more than 230 million people ask the chatbot health-related questions weekly), OpenAI has announced that it is beta testing a new health information feature called ChatGPT Health.

So What? The company has developed ChatGPT Health in “close collaboration” with physicians worldwide, according to a blog post by OpenAI. But even with the best intentions, the feature still triggers privacy and accuracy concerns.

Now What? Many users—perhaps especially inquisitive teens—may use ChatGPT as a stopgap between regular doctor visits. But you should remind your young users that ChatGPT Health (as well as other chatbots) is meant to be a tool, not an end all, be all. Even OpenAI emphasizes this point, reminding potential users that it is “designed to support, not replace, your healthcare providers.”

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