Online culture hits the streets, from catching Pokémon to aura farming

Teenagers in some cities are congregating in public squares and parks, a phenomenon that has caught the attention of many. This trend, known as "aura farming," involves earning social credibility through humorous, stylish, or absurd actions both online and offline. The concept originated from video games and signifies the way digital natives build community, bridging the gap between online and physical reality.

The integration of online culture into the streets dates back two decades, with virtual communities emerging from forums and blogs in the early 2000s. These communities aimed to connect individuals with shared interests in real life. Early digital trends, such as flash mobs, planking, and Pokémon Go, transformed streets and parks into gaming environments, demonstrating the convergence of online and offline spaces.

More recently, Pokémon Go's impact was radical, turning urban areas into game settings. The latest trend, "aura farming battles," adds a new dimension to identity development. Teenagers use memes and online references to present themselves to others, mirroring sociologist Erving Goffman's concept of presenting different versions of oneself according to the "act" they are in.

This performance of identity through gestures and contexts, understood by peers, has always been a part of adolescence, enabling collective expression and shared experiences.

Psychologist Adrián Juste argues that the current headlines reflect a desire to explain a trend that was never meant for adults. Psychologist Iago Moreno highlights that social media has become a "showcase for life," leading new generations to adopt stylized gestures when in front of a camera. Philologist Byron Ramírez explains that absurdity in these trends fosters collectivity and the transmission of ideas through a shared irony, allowing public activities to be centered around a common reference point in the vast digital landscape.