A 2024 study from the Center for Digital Resilience found that adolescents who become unwilling viral subjects for moments of distress exhibit symptoms consistent with : hypervigilance, avoidance of social settings, and a permanent fracturing of their digital identity.

The "Crying Girl" viral video raises important questions about the impact of social media on mental health. Social media platforms can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to mental health. On the one hand, social media provides a platform for people to express themselves, share their experiences, and connect with others. On the other hand, social media can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The social media discussion surrounding these clips usually falls into three categories:

Critics on platforms like Reddit condemned the act as exploitative, arguing that the mother prioritized "clout" and engagement over her child's emotional well-being.

: While her son was genuinely crying, Cheyenne instructed him to "act like you're crying" and move his hand to his face for a better shot.