Sarah Perl, known on TikTok as @hothighpriestess, attributes her successful career and relationship to the power of manifestation. At 23, the Los Angeles resident often shares tips with her followers—particularly young women seeking romantic connections. One of her recurring themes is how to manifest a response from a guy within 24 hours. In a post that has amassed over a million views, Perl says, “I am manifesting that this video only reaches the people on the brink of the greatest up-level of their entire life.”
For Perl, manifestation is more than just a spiritual practice—it’s also about engaging with TikTok’s algorithm. She believes the platform’s algorithm works similarly to manifestation itself. “Where you put your attention is where your life will end up going,” says Perl, who has gained 2.5 million followers since 2020. She also offers paid online courses teaching others how to manifest their desires. For Perl, dwelling on positive content attracts more positivity, while negative content attracts more negativity. This concept mirrors the principles of manifestation: focusing on the good brings more good into your life.
Manifestation—believing that focusing on positive thinking and visualization can help you achieve your goals—traces its roots back to the 19th-century New Thought movement. Over the years, it has evolved and gained momentum, especially since the pandemic. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande have publicly embraced manifestation, and it has become especially popular with Gen Z.
Gen Z, the least religious generation in modern American history, is turning to manifestation to gain control over their futures, which feel increasingly uncertain. Faced with economic instability, algorithm-driven dating apps, and global challenges, many young people are seeking ways to manifest love, financial security, and career success. Manifestation is not only limited to personal development content on TikTok—apps like Manifest, founded by Amy Wu, have tapped into the trend with generative AI that helps users affirm their desires.
Manifest has found a unique niche. With 70% of its users being women and many seeking to manifest romantic relationships, Wu believes the app offers a private space where users can meditate, receive affirmations, and process their emotions. “It’s not about guaranteeing a specific outcome,” Wu explains, “but giving reassurance for their journey.”
Older platforms like Pinterest have also seen a surge in manifestation-related content. Gen Zers, who make up about 40% of Pinterest’s active users, are increasingly using the platform to envision their ideal futures. Searches for “romantic manifestation” and “lots of money aesthetic” have risen dramatically, showing how young people are harnessing the power of visual platforms to manifest their goals.
Shanna Watkins, a 28-year-old from Dallas, integrates manifestation into her life through various digital tools. She uses Mindvalley, a personal-growth app, and writes affirmations in her phone’s notes app. Watkins even turns to ChatGPT for dream analysis, viewing the chatbot as a way to connect with her inner self. Technology, she says, has become a valuable tool for manifestation.
However, some caution against the overuse of manifestation, warning that it can be a double-edged sword. Emily McDonald, a mentor and neuroscience coach, notes that manifestation should not be confused with magical thinking. It’s about rewiring the brain to align with your intentions and visualizing your desired outcomes—it’s not about simply wishing for things to come true.
Research has shown that while manifestation can inspire a hopeful mindset, it can also lead people to make riskier decisions, like pursuing get-rich-quick schemes or making speculative investments. A study at the University of Queensland found that manifesters were more likely to take financial risks, potentially leading to negative outcomes like bankruptcy.
At its core, though, the popularity of manifestation, especially among young people, reflects a deeper desire for control in an unpredictable world. While manifestation practices may not guarantee success, they provide comfort and empowerment in navigating life’s uncertainties. As Wu notes, in today’s post-COVID, social-media-driven world, people are seeking support during both their lows and their highs, hoping for a sense of control that can help them feel less helpless in a complex world.
Ultimately, whether or not manifestation works is secondary to its role in helping people feel connected, hopeful, and motivated.
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