· Alice Darla · Trending
What Are Aura Points, and Why Is Gen Z Obsessed with Them?
Aura points have swept across social media, particularly on TikTok, as the latest metric for measuring social appeal.
Imagine a system where every cool move you pull off earns you points, while every awkward misstep costs you.
It’s not exactly scientific, but it’s the kind of playful, imaginary scoreboard Gen Z (and even some on-the-fence Millennials) have embraced with gusto.
But what exactly does it mean to “gain” or “lose” these mystical aura points, and why is everyone from teens to trend-watchers talking about them?
Quick Answer: What Are Aura Points?
In essence, aura points measure how “cool” or socially adept you are—especially by Gen Z standards.
The term has evolved from simply describing someone’s vibe or energy to quantifying their social charisma in a fun, often ironic way.
The higher your aura points, the more “cool points” you’re seen to have. It’s subjective and a bit silly, but that’s part of the appeal.
Aura: From Energy to “It” Factor
The word aura traditionally describes the vibe or energy someone radiates, but on TikTok, it’s shorthand for a cool, effortless presence.
Think of it as a modern version of “swagger,” but with a twist for the social media age.
If someone has aura, they possess that unspoken charm that fills a room and draws attention.
But if their aura points dip, they risk being seen as cringeworthy or awkward—at least for a moment.
The Origins of Aura Points: From Sports to Social Media
The concept of aura has been floating around sports culture for a while.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have long described players with intense charisma or skill as having aura.
Van Dijk using his “AURA” to block that Martinez shot. pic.twitter.com/TZAumkCCq0
— H (@_Hammad7) March 8, 2022
Whether it was a slick basketball move or a clutch football play, athletes with aura were seen as possessing that extra “it” factor.
TikTok took it further by quantifying aura into points, bringing the imaginary point system into our everyday lives.
Social media users were quick to embrace this, applying the concept to all kinds of interactions.
Now, it’s not just for athletes—your outfit choice, your one-liners, even the way you hold yourself in a group can all add or subtract from your aura points.
Some influencers have even built personas around the idea, showing off their “aura-maxxing” moments to win over fans.
@ratisupremacy how to auramaxx (maximise your aura) series coming this week!!
♬ original sound – aaliyah
How Do You Earn or Lose Aura Points?
If you’re aiming to boost your aura points, it’s not about going over the top.
On the contrary, maintaining that “effortless cool” is key. Here’s a quick guide to what gains or costs you aura points:
- Gaining Aura Points: You pull off a stylish outfit, tell a funny story, or make a grand entrance that feels natural. +1000 points.
- Losing Aura Points: You trip in public, wave at someone who wasn’t waving at you, or get caught doing something awkward. -500 points, at least.
Examples of Aura Points in Action
To help break down the concept, here are a few real-life situations and their aura points tally:
- Positive Aura Moments: Posting a witty tweet that goes viral? That’s an easy +2000 aura points. Walking confidently through a crowd like you own the place? Add another +500.
- Negative Aura Points: Ever had that moment when you try to open a door by pushing instead of pulling? Yep, that’s a -1000 right there. Forgot someone’s name right after they told you? Subtract another -300.
As influencer @mr_lindsay_sped explained in a viral TikTok, aura points are often awarded for things as minor as getting a good haircut, while big losses come with more publicly awkward moments.
@mr_lindsay_sped Replying to @tanyak680 It may be summer, but Mr. Lindsay is still here to define the #trending words your’re #teenager is using. Are they giving you positive or negative #aurapoints yet? Side Note: Most of the things that gain or lose you points are funny, little, inconsequential things. #aura #genalpha #slang #middleschoolslang #teachersoftiktok #teacherfyp #fyp ♬ original sound – Mr. Lindsay
It’s all in good fun, but people on social media see it as a playful way to acknowledge the highs and lows of social interactions.
The Aura Points Calculator: Just How Many Do You Have?
Enter the aura points calculator—a hypothetical tool some TikTok users have created to add or subtract points.
It’s light-hearted, mostly imaginary, but adding a number to social interactions has created a sub-trend that users can’t resist.
Some aura-maxxing advice from the TikTok community:
- Fashion is Key: Embrace a unique style that stands out but doesn’t feel try-hard. Think subtle flair rather than flashy.
- Gym Gains: Many users advocate for “aura-maxxing” by hitting the gym, which they say boosts your overall vibe and confidence.
- Stay Mysterious: According to aura-maxxing fans, talking less and listening more can earn major points, upping that mysterious allure.
While no one’s really counting points, the concept has taken off because it gives people a playful way to approach self-improvement and social connections without taking themselves too seriously.
Aura Points and Social Media: How Brands and Users Embrace the Trend
Brands and influencers have also joined in, using aura points to connect with Gen Z in a language they know.
Pronouncing Porsche the correct way +1000 aura points
— Porsche (@Porsche) June 21, 2024
Porsche, for instance, tweeted, “Pronouncing Porsche the correct way +1000 aura points,” which immediately resonated with younger audiences.
Brands using this trendy language position themselves as in tune with today’s humour, keeping their relevance alive in a fast-paced social media landscape.
you lose a hefty amount of aura points every time you add a note on an instagram post.
— p (@kyayaarpriii) July 21, 2024
Influencers often share “how many aura points did I lose?” stories, turning moments of social awkwardness into relatable, funny anecdotes that rack up views and likes.
For example, one popular post shows someone getting their Yeezy slide stuck, accompanied by the text:
“How many aura points did I lose when I tripped and couldn’t get my slides off?”
FAQ on Aura Points
For those trying to keep up with this trend (or earn a few points themselves), here’s a quick Q&A on aura points:
- What are aura points?
Aura points are a fun way Gen Z and TikTok users measure someone’s social charisma or “coolness.” Points are awarded or deducted based on actions or moments that seem either suave or cringeworthy. - Where did aura points come from?
The term originated in sports, especially around basketball, where “aura” describes players with unique, attention-grabbing charisma. TikTok users turned it into a point-based system to make the idea more relatable to everyday situations. - How can I gain aura points?
It’s about effortless style, confidence, and avoiding overtly awkward moments. Just be natural, keep a good sense of humour, and maybe find a few inside jokes or cool stories to share.
Final Thoughts on Aura Points (Hint: They Don’t Really Matter)
Aura points are a playful, low-stakes way to navigate social situations.
While they don’t carry real-world weight, the trend reminds us that social interactions are a mix of good, bad, and downright cringey moments.
In embracing the ups and downs with a sense of humour, users create a community that values self-awareness over perfection.
The next time you find yourself asking, “How many aura points did I just lose?” just remember—it’s all part of the game.
