By Bemi Brooks 
You know the feeling. You’re scrolling through your feed, and you see a post that’s genuinely sweet or unironically passionate about something. Maybe it’s a photo of someone’s slightly lopsided, but clearly love-filled, homemade cake. Or a thread where someone is earnestly explaining why a 20-year-old cartoon changed their life.
Your first instinct, conditioned by years of internet cynicism, might be to smirk. To drop a sarcastic comment. To let everyone know you’re too cool to be that emotionally invested.
But then, a different feeling bubbles up. A quiet thought: “Actually… that cake looks amazing.” Or, “I’m so glad they shared that. I feel the same way.”
If you’ve ever had that second thought, my friend, you’ve already experienced a spark of simpcitu.
It’s the secret rebellion happening right under the nose of the algorithm, and it might just be the key to feeling more like yourself online. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Simpcitu: What Does “Proud Sincerity” Actually Mean?
At its heart, simpcitu is the conscious decision to drop the armor. It’s the act of being openly enthusiastic, sincere, or emotionally invested in something without the protective layer of irony, sarcasm, or self-deprecation.
Think of it as the opposite of posting something with the caption, “I have no excuse for this, lol.” A post with simpcitu has the caption, “I love this, and that’s all the reason I need.”
It’s not about being cringey or oblivious. It’s about confidence. It’s wearing your heart on your digital sleeve and daring the world to judge you for it.
Here’s a quick “Before vs. After” look at the mindset:
| The Ironic, “Cool” Post (Before Simpcitu) | The Sincere, “Simpcitu” Post (After) |
|---|---|
| “Ugh, accidentally spent three hours painting this garbage. My hand hurts.” | “I’m so proud of this painting! I lost track of time because I was just so in the flow.” |
| “My cat is a glorified paperweight and I would die for him, no big deal.” | “The pure, uncomplicated love I feel when my cat curls up on my lap is one of life’s greatest joys.” |
| “Just listened to this old band for, like, nostalgia purposes or whatever.” | “This album shaped my entire teenage years. Listening to it today still fills me with the same electric hope.” |
See the difference? One hides the real emotion behind a shield of jokes. The other lets the emotion stand front and center, proud and unashamed.
Why Now? The Roots of the Simpcitu Movement
So, why is this happening all of a sudden? It’s not random. Simpcitu is a natural reaction to a few key things in our digital lives:
- Cynicism Fatigue: We’ve been swimming in a sea of sarcasm and hot takes for over a decade. It’s exhausting. Always having to be “in on the joke” is emotionally draining. Simpcitu feels like a fresh gulp of air.
- The Search for Authenticity: As AI and highly curated content become more common, we’re craving things that feel real. Genuine, unfiltered emotion is becoming a rare and valuable commodity.
- Niche Community Power: The internet has allowed us to find our “tribes.” In a small community dedicated to, say, vintage pottery or a specific video game, you don’t need to be ironic. You can be openly, joyfully obsessed. Simpcitu is that niche mindset going mainstream.
My friend Chloe, for example, runs a small Instagram account for her beautifully intricate embroidery. For years, her captions were full of jokes about her mistakes. Then she decided to just own it. Her caption changed to: “This floral pattern represents a season of growth for me. Each stitch felt like a meditation.” The response was overwhelming. People didn’t just like the art; they connected with the sincere story behind it. That’s simpcitu in action.
How to Embrace Simpcitu in Your Own Online Life (Without Feeling Weird)
Okay, you’re intrigued. But how do you actually do this? It can feel vulnerable, like showing up to a costume party as the only one not wearing a mask. Here are some practical steps.
1. Start Small in Safe Spaces.
You don’t have to declare your undying love for your favorite boy band on the main corporate Twitter account. Start in a smaller, more comfortable space. This could be:
- A private “Close Friends” story on Instagram.
- A niche subreddit or Discord server you love.
- A group chat with your most trusted friends.
2. Rewrite Your Inner Critic.
That little voice that says, “People will think this is lame” is the ghost of internet-cynicism-past. When you hear it, practice mentally reframing your post.
- Instead of: “I’m posting a photo of this sunset, but I should make a joke about the filter.”
- Try: “I’m posting this sunset because its beauty genuinely stopped me in my tracks and I want to share that moment of peace.”
3. Use the “Why” Test.
Before you post, ask yourself: “Why am I sharing this?”
- Ironic reason: To seem cool, detached, or funnier-than-thou.
- Sincere reason (Simpcitu!): Because it brought me joy, comfort, or insight, and I hope it might do the same for someone else.
If your answer is the second one, you’re on the right track.
Q: But won’t I come across as naive or cringey?
A: It’s a valid fear! The truth is, some people might not get it. They’re still playing the old game. But you’ll be surprised how many people are hungry for this kind of authenticity. The goal of simpcitu isn’t universal approval; it’s genuine connection, even if it’s just with a handful of people.
The Future of Simpcitu: More Than Just a Meme?
I don’t think simpcitu is a passing trend. In fact, I believe it’s the beginning of a larger shift in how we use the internet. We’re moving from a place of performance to a place of sharing.
Imagine online spaces where:
- People share their creative work not for clout, but for the pure joy of creation.
- Discussions are driven by curiosity rather than the desire to own someone with a clever rebuttal.
- It’s cool to care. It’s strong to be soft.
This isn’t about eliminating humor or critique. It’s about making room for a wider, richer range of human expression. It’s about building a digital world that feels less like a competition and more like a community.
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Start Living with Simpcitu
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple list to get you started today.
- Perform One Sincere Act of Appreciation: Go to a post from a friend or creator you genuinely admire. Leave a comment that is purely positive and specific. No “lol” or “this slaps” to soften it. Try, “The way you used color in this photo is breathtaking,” or “Your perspective on this topic was incredibly helpful, thank you.”
- Post One “Cringe” Thing You Love: Share that song, that movie, that hobby you usually downplay. Share it with a caption that explains, without irony, why you love it.
- Curate for Sincerity: Actively follow accounts and join communities that radiate simpcitu. Fill your feed with people who are passionate and unafraid. Your online experience will transform almost overnight.
This is just the start of the conversation. What does simpcitu mean to you? Have you seen examples of it that made you smile? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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FAQs
Is simpcitu just about being positive all the time?
Not at all! Simpcitu is about sincerity, which includes a full range of emotions. You can apply it to sharing grief, frustration, or righteous anger—so long as it’s your genuine, unfiltered emotion.
How is this different from being “cringe”?
“Cringe” is a label used to police authenticity. Simpcitu reclaims the power by refusing to be ashamed of what we love. It’s the difference between being unaware of social judgment and being aware of it but choosing your own joy anyway.
Can brands and businesses use simpcitu?
They can try, but it’s risky. True simpcitu comes from a place of genuine human emotion. If a brand is sincerely passionate about its mission and community, it can work. If it’s faked, audiences will see right through it.
Isn’t this just what people did on the internet before social media?
You’ve hit the nail on the head! In many ways, simpcitu is a return to the early web’s spirit—of personal homepages, niche forums, and sharing interests for the pure joy of it, before everything became optimized for engagement and monetization.
What if I get negative comments for being sincere?
It might happen. The simpcitu approach is to remember that a negative comment often says more about the commenter’s discomfort with sincerity than it does about you. You can choose to ignore it, delete it, or even respond with graceful, unshakable sincerity, which is often the most powerful response.
Does using simpcitu mean I can’t be funny anymore?
Absolutely not! Humor and simpcitu are not enemies. The key is the type of humor. Self-deprecating or sarcastic humor often pushes genuine feeling away. Joyful, absurd, or heartfelt humor can coexist perfectly with sincere expression.