TL;DR: The Jacob Elordi Effect
If your teen is suddenly carrying a vintage film camera, asking for a designer "man bag," or obsessing over "old school" mystery, you’re seeing the Jacob Elordi effect. Despite being one of the biggest stars in 2026, Elordi’s power comes from his absence—he’s rarely on social media, which has made him the blueprint for a new kind of "analog" cool.
- The Content: He’s known for high-intensity, often "toxic" roles in Euphoria and Saltburn, but also prestige turns in Priscilla.
- The Vibe: He’s redefining masculinity by blending "tough guy" roles with high-fashion aesthetics and a rejection of TikTok culture.
- The Risk: Much of his filmography is strictly 17+ due to drug use, sexual content, and psychological intensity.
- The Pivot: If they like his "vibe" but aren't ready for the heavy stuff, try Normal People (for older teens) or The Bear.
In a world where every influencer is screaming for attention on Instagram, Jacob Elordi is the guy who isn’t there. For our teens, who have been tracked by algorithms since birth, there is something deeply magnetic about a celebrity who treats his phone like a radioactive brick.
The "Jacob Elordi Effect" is the 2026 version of the "mysterious loner" trope, but updated for the digital age. It’s why your kid might be deleting their Snapchat or buying a wired pair of headphones. He represents a move away from "brain rot" content and toward "prestige" culture. He’s the face of Letterboxd junkies and teens who want to be seen as "cinephiles" rather than just "scrollers."
It’s a weird phenomenon: a huge percentage of the teens obsessed with Elordi haven't actually watched Saltburn or Euphoria in their entirety—mostly because we (hopefully) haven't let them. But they see the edits.
- The Digital Ghost: Elordi famously doesn't have TikTok on his phone. In an era of oversharing, his privacy is his greatest marketing tool. Teens are starting to see "being unreachable" as the ultimate flex.
- Redefining Masculinity: He’s a 6’5” Australian who plays athletes and Elvis, yet he’s constantly photographed with "feminine" accessories—think Bottega Veneta handbags and short-shorts. He’s teaching a generation of boys that you can be "masculine" while deeply caring about aesthetics and fashion.
- The "Toxic" Allure: Let's be real—he plays "bad guys" who look like "good guys." Whether it’s Nate Jacobs in Euphoria or his role in The Kissing Booth, he often portrays characters with complicated, sometimes abusive traits. This creates a lot of "I can fix him" discourse on Pinterest.
Ask our chatbot about navigating "toxic" character tropes with your teen
If you want to understand what your teen is consuming when they fall down the Elordi rabbit hole, here is the breakdown of his most influential projects.
Ages 18+ This is the big one. Elordi plays Nate Jacobs, a character who is the embodiment of repressed rage and toxic masculinity. While the show is a visual masterpiece, it is heavy. We’re talking graphic drug use, sexual violence, and intense psychological trauma. If your 14-year-old is watching this, it’s time for a serious conversation. It’s not "brain rot," but it is "soul-crushing" if you aren't mature enough to process it.
Ages 17+ This movie went viral for its "shock" scenes, but for teens, it became an aesthetic. It’s about obsession, class, and wealth. Elordi plays the wealthy, effortless Felix. The influence here isn't just the plot; it’s the "indie sleaze" fashion and the soundtrack.
Ages 15+ Directed by Sofia Coppola, this is a much more "aesthetic" and quiet film. Elordi plays Elvis Presley, but the story focuses on Priscilla’s perspective. It’s a great entry point for discussing power dynamics in relationships, and it’s significantly less "shocking" than his other R-rated work.
Ages 12+ This is where he started. It’s a standard, somewhat cheesy rom-com. Elordi has since publicly "dissed" these movies, calling them "ridiculous," which actually made him more popular with teens because it showed he has "taste."
If your teen is chasing that "moody, cinematic, cool" energy but you want to steer them away from the harder HBO-style content, try these alternatives:
- The Bear (Hulu): High intensity, great acting, and very "online" right now, but deals with career and family rather than just high school trauma.
- Normal People: (Ages 17+) It’s still mature, but it’s a much more grounded, realistic look at love and mental health than the neon-soaked chaos of Euphoria.
- Stardew Valley: Surprisingly, the "analog/quiet life" vibe Elordi promotes fits perfectly with the cozy gaming trend. It’s about disconnecting and doing something intentional.
- Letterboxd: Instead of TikTok, encourage them to use this app to track the movies they watch. it turns media consumption into a hobby rather than a passive habit.
Check out our guide on the best "prestige" shows for older teens
Middle School (Ages 11-13): They likely know him from The Kissing Booth or from edits on YouTube. They are too young for Euphoria. Focus on the "style" aspect—if they want a film camera or a specific "look," that’s harmless.
Early High School (Ages 14-15): This is the danger zone where they’ll feel social pressure to watch Saltburn. If you decide to let them, watch it with them or at least be ready for the "WTF" conversation afterward. This age group is very susceptible to the "glamorization" of the toxic traits his characters often have.
Late High School (Ages 16-18): They are likely already deep in this culture. This is a great time to talk about media literacy. Ask them: "Why do you think he’s so popular despite not being on social media?" Use it as a bridge to discuss their own digital wellness.
Don’t be surprised if your son starts asking for a "crossbody bag" or experimenting with fashion that feels a bit more "fluid." In 2026, the Elordi influence has made it cool for guys to care about "the fit" in a way that goes beyond just wearing a jersey.
Also, pay attention to the "Analog Trend." Elordi is often seen with a Contax G2 (an expensive film camera). This has sparked a massive surge in teens wanting film cameras, vinyl records, and physical books. Honestly? This is a win for digital wellness. If Jacob Elordi is the reason your kid puts down the phone to go take photos of a sunset on actual film, we’ll take it.
Jacob Elordi is more than just a heartthrob; he’s a cultural shift. He represents a teen population that is increasingly skeptical of "influencer" culture and hungry for something that feels "real," "prestige," and "private."
While his actual movies are often too mature for younger teens, the lifestyle he promotes—digital minimalism, intentional fashion, and a focus on "the craft"—is actually a pretty healthy alternative to the endless scroll of TikTok.
Next Steps:
- Check their Letterboxd: See what movies they’re logging. It’s a great window into their headspace.
- Talk about "The Mystery": Ask them if they think they’d be happier if they deleted Instagram like Jacob did.
- Set boundaries on Euphoria: If they aren't ready, they aren't ready. There are plenty of other "cool" shows that won't leave them traumatized.