A primary school teacher from Reading has launched a robust critique against the viral 'six-seven' trend, labelling it an 'embracement of idiocy' driven by profit-seeking social media influencers rather than genuine humour or meaning.
The Root of the 'Phenomenon': Profit Over Purpose
Marlon Minty, a teacher and advocate for logic in the classroom, was responding to a Guardian piece which suggested the phrase could be 'the most hopeful word of 2025'. His investigation into the origins of the craze revealed not a secret code or a sinister cult, but a 'badly cobbled together mishmash' designed primarily to generate clicks and revenue for online content creators.
He discovered that the trend is propagated through social media platforms where influencers benefit from increased attention and potential monetisation. 'None of the children I asked understood where it comes from or why it is funny,' Minty reported, highlighting a concerning disconnect between the action and its purpose.
A Classroom Mantra: 'If You Don't Know Why, Don't Do It'
In his letter published in the Guardian on 20 December, Minty outlined his firm approach. While not outright banning the phrase, he is explicit with his pupils about the consequences of thoughtless imitation. 'I am very clear with the students that when we do stupid things without any understanding of what or why we are doing it, we reduce ourselves to idiots,' he stated.
His teaching philosophy centres on critical thinking. The core mantra he instils in his classroom is: 'If you don't know why you're doing something, don't do it.' This principle is presented as a safeguard against mindlessly following viral fads, whether online or in the playground.
Fostering Real Hope Beyond Viral Trends
Minty firmly rejects the idea that a senseless viral phrase can embody hope. Instead, he argues that genuine optimism for the future is cultivated through the promotion of kindness and honesty within the school environment.
He concludes with a powerful condemnation of the commercial forces behind such trends, stating that hope is not found in 'enabling social media giants to make even more money' from the impulsive actions of young people. His stance serves as a call for greater media literacy and conscious engagement among students navigating the complex digital landscape.
