# Pity Journaling 2.0 Social story-sharing with strangers reflects desire to bond over misfortune. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 22, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fml ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Pity Journaling 2.0 trend? **Pity Journaling 2.0:** Social story-sharing websites are allowing people to commiserate and alleviate emotional pain inflicted by unfavorable or 'average' moments in everyday life. While some seek to bond and reinforce the notion they are 'not alone,' others use social storytelling as comedic relief or self-esteem boosters. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 29 to Sep 22, 2009 - Published: Sep 22, 2009 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Pity Journaling 2.0 trend ### Social Storytelling The trend of social storytelling continues, with people turning to online platforms to share experiences and emotions, from funny anecdotes to negative experiences. ### Self-Deprecating Content Self-deprecating content is on the rise, as people look to technology as a means to express their struggles and mistakes in a comedic or cathartic way. ### Normalizing Negative Experiences The normalization of negative experiences continues, for better or worse, with websites dedicated to commiseration and shared pain. ## What the Pity Journaling 2.0 trend means for industry ### For Social Media Social media platforms have been leading the charge in promoting social storytelling, but there are also opportunities for new platforms to emerge with a focus on specific types of content and sharing. ### For Comedy Self-deprecating content provides opportunities for comedians and content creators to connect with audiences in new and relatable ways, particularly as people look for humor in tough times. ### For Mental Health As more people turn to online platforms to share their struggles, there are opportunities for mental health professionals and organizations to leverage these platforms to promote awareness, education, and support. ## Trend signals for Pity Journaling 2.0 Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 28%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 28% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Pity Journaling 2.0 trend 4 featured examples from Apr 29 to Sep 22, 2009. - [Drunken Text Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drunken-texts): TextsFromLastNight.com Documents Texting Debauchery (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Social media platforms can innovate by integrating features that help users keep track of their posts and messages while under the influence, or by providing users with more contr… - [FML Rebuttals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-life-is-average): 'My Life is Average' Provides Dry Comedy for Normal Days (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for social media platforms to integrate more positive and humorous content for users. - [Self-Deprecating Blogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Self-Deprecating-Blogs): Online Sites Let Losers Post Their Misfortunes (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity to build platforms that facilitate connections and shared experiences among users through self-deprecating blogs. - [Credit Crunch Storytelling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recession-worthy-websites-people-swap-stories-on-howigotlaidoff.com): People Swap Job Loss Stories on HowIGotLaidOff.com (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn could expand their offerings to provide resources that support storytelling around job loss. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [Commemorative Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roger-centre-court) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Actor-Led Pre-Fall Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/austin-butler) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)