The white rabbit trend explained

What does "the rabbit got me" mean?

Quick summary

• The “White Rabbit” or “rabbit got me” trend is a metaphor for sudden or life-changing experiences that “catch” people off guard
• It’s used by adults, parents, teens and creators to share emotional moments, personal stories, or major turning points
• While mostly positive, it’s important to consider privacy and healthy expression when posting online, to avoid any regrets or upset from yourself or your family later down the line

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What is the White Rabbit trend?

The “White Rabbit” trend is inspired by the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland – a character who appears suddenly and pulls Alice into a completely new world.

Online, the trend uses that metaphor to show moments that completely changed someone’s life or took it in an unexpected direction.

These “White Rabbit moments” can be:

• becoming a parent
• major relationship changes
• a health scare or recovery
• career highs or lows
• loss of a loved one
• unexpected opportunities
• mental health struggles
• big milestones

It’s broad enough that teens, parents, young adults, and even grandparents are all taking part.

How people create White Rabbit posts

A typical post involves a photo or video montage showing life before the big moment, paired with:

• a ticking clock audio or suspenseful track
• a final frame revealing the “rabbit” – the event that changed everything
• a caption like “The rabbit got me when…”

Examples include:

• a parent sharing the months leading up to their child’s birth
• someone posting about losing a pet
• a creator reflecting on closing their business
• a teen sharing a friendship shift, breakup, or mental health turning point

Because the format is simple and emotional, many people connect with it instantly.

Are there any risks in taking part in this trend?

While the White Rabbit trend is generally safe and often creative, there are some things for parents to keep in mind:

• Privacy: avoid sharing personal information about your children or family that could be exploited (sometimes known as “sharenting”)
• Emotional impact: reflect before posting stressful or sensitive moments, as some memories may be triggering later or could accidentally become “sadfishing” – bear in mind your child may come across the video and feel worried if it's more serious or revealing
• Social comparison: It’s easy to feel like others’ lives are more dramatic, but remember, trends often highlight extremes – especially the ones that go viral
• Boundaries: participation should be fun and expressive, not competitive or stressful – you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re mining any trauma in order to get views

Other ways to share or express big life moments

Not every parent wants to post life events online, and that’s completely fine!

There are plenty of ways to express, process, or share experiences safely and meaningfully:

• Journaling: write down milestones, challenges, or memorable moments to reflect on privately
• Private groups: use closed social media groups or parenting forums to share experiences with a trusted community
• Storytelling with friends/family: open up with people you trust about the experiences that have affected you
• Creative outlets: use photography, scrapbooking, or art to capture important events without posting publicly
• Video diaries: record videos for personal use or to share selectively with close friends or relatives

Making the trend work for you

The White Rabbit trend offers parents a creative outlet to reflect on major life events, laugh at challenges, and connect with a broader community. 

When approached thoughtfully, it can be a fun, positive way to share experiences while also building empathy and solidarity with other parents navigating the ups and downs of life.