Are pop culture trends recession indicators?

Press-on nails are making a comeback, maxi skirts are trending again and Lady Gaga’s return to synth-heavy Y2K pop has some speculating about an impending recession--even though current data hasn’t confirmed it’s coming.

While these trends from previous downturns aren’t official economic indicators, clearly concerns about a downturn are on people’s minds. Whether you’re monitoring traditional market trends or online speculation, financial experts advise that this is not a time to panic. Instead, regardless of the economy's direction, it's important to focus on the facts and take a steady, thoughtful approach to managing your finances, advised Steve Wyett, chief investment strategist at BOK Financial®.

What’s actually happening with the economy right now
After two years of strong post-pandemic growth, experts point out that the U.S. economy is beginning to slow. As expectations for further decline grow and the likelihood of more Fed rate cuts rises, concerns are weighing on consumer confidence. Tariff tensions have also been building to start the year and escalated on April 2 when the White House announced its “Liberation Day” policy, triggering sharp market reactions in the days that followed.

“Clearly, the dizzying volley of tariff announcements has created even more uncertainty for both consumers and business owners,” said Wyett. Since the first week of April, Wyett says “the risks of a recession are not a given, but the chances have been increasing materially.”

Still, he notes that the biggest force shaping the economy right now isn’t any single policy or data point. “The word of the moment is clarity, or the lack of it.”

Why? Because markets, businesses and everyday consumers tend to respond poorly to uncertainty.

How uncertainty is showing up
For many, that uncertainty is showing up in their buying behaviors and online activity. Social media is being filled with so-called “recession indicators,” a trend most visible among Gen Z and millennials. Millennials, in particular, are drawing on their experience during the 2008 Financial Crisis as they express their concerns about another potential downturn. While much of this content is funny, it also reflects how people are feeling right now.

According to online search trends, “recession hair” is gaining traction as those who color their hair are considering ways to reduce upkeep, and therefore expenses, in case of recession. TikTokers are noting a rise in workwear for every occasion and music is sounding eerily familiar to 2008 “recession pop.” Together, these trends suggest noticeable shifts in behavior that show how some people are coping with financial uncertainty.

“Personally, I think Kesha’s new single is catchy but not a harbinger of doom—despite what TikTok would have you believe,” said Wyett.

So, it’s important not to panic, he said. Online sentiment may offer insight, but it shouldn’t replace a thoughtful approach to decision-making.

Smart steps to keep your finances on track
Luckily, whether the economy is growing or slowing, the basics of managing your money tend to remain the same. Jesse Ledford, consumer regional manager at Bank of Oklahoma, said that uncertainty may cause concern but that’s exactly when it’s important to stay focused.

To stay financially grounded, he recommended:

1. Building an emergency fund
Working to set aside three to six months’ worth of essential expenses can provide a safety net during uncertain times. “Regardless of the economy, it’s important to have an emergency fund in place for the unforeseen,” Ledford said. This fund can help cover unexpected changes in income, employment or other life events.

2. Staying the course with long-term investments
Avoid making impulsive changes to retirement accounts or other long-term investments based on short-term market swings. “We know investments are in it for the long haul,” Ledford said. “It’s about making sure we’re not being reactionary and that we’re taking a long-term approach to ensure retirement accounts and investments are well-positioned for your life stage and appropriate risk tolerance.”

3. Consulting a financial advisor
If you’re nearing retirement or navigating a major life change, Ledford recommended speaking with a financial advisor to reassess your plan. A trusted professional can help ensure your strategy aligns with your goals and help prevent impulsive decision-making when things are uncertain or markets are volatile.

4. Being strategic about major purchases
Ledford cautioned against panic buying, such as stockpiling household items in response to headlines. However, for larger planned expenses, like buying a vehicle, it may make sense to act sooner if prices are expected to rise due to tariffs or supply constraints. “It may be the time to really research and evaluate,” he said. However, the key is to make informed decisions, not rushed ones.

Focus on what you can control
Economic slowdowns can be unsettling, but strengthening your financial foundation can help you move through them with more confidence. By avoiding knee-jerk reactions to headlines or online chatter, you give yourself a better chance of navigating uncertainty with stability.