Elizabeth Olsen, who is generally not immersed in online culture, acknowledged her awareness of the viral 6-7 trend embraced by Gen Alpha during her appearance on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers this Monday. Discussing the trend, Olsen connected it to her experiences while promoting her new movie Eternity, where she portrays a 90-year-old character named Joan.
Olsen Reflects on Feeling Out of Touch with Modern Culture
Olsen admitted on the show that she often feels disconnected from current cultural phenomena. She described herself as
“a little out of touch with the times,”
but made sure to highlight that she was familiar with the 6-7 trend. This contrast between feeling distant yet informed captures her tentative relationship with today’s digital movements.
Explaining Why the 6-7 Trend Resonates with Youth
When Seth Meyers expressed that he had deliberately avoided understanding the craze, Olsen took the opportunity to clarify why young people are drawn to it. She said,
“I think the reason they love it is because it’s absurd and random,”
and elaborated on the appeal, noting the trend’s playful absurdity. She pointed out that in a culture that can often feel cynical or critical, the simple enthusiasm for two consecutive numbers—just 6 and 7—stands out for its pure randomness and humor.
Context and Cultural Impact of the 6-7 Phenomenon
Meyers found it curious that the numbers 6 and 7 have of course always been in that order, yet only recently have attracted attention and fandom. Olsen agreed, underscoring how arbitrary the fascination actually is. The trend originates from nonsensical lyrics in a song, devoid of deeper meaning or message. Still, it has sparked wide conversation, including criticism from personalities like Stephen Colbert, who voiced frustration after 6-7 was named word of the year by Dictionary.com.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Viral Trends
Elizabeth Olsen’s discussion reveals how fleeting internet trends can capture the imagination, especially among younger generations like Gen Alpha, who delight in absurdity detached from meaning. Olsen’s candid reflections on cultural detachment paired with interest in these movements hint at a broader dialogue between generations trying to understand one another’s worldviews. As Eternity premieres in theaters, Olsen’s insight into the 6-7 trend offers a glimpse of how culture constantly evolves in unexpected ways.
