“Experts believe family estrangement is rising in the U.S., driven by shifting societal norms, social media and changing therapy practices …. Proponents hold that estrangement is being destigmatized, not necessarily happening more often, and that it can be needed and healing for adult children to cut off parents they deem harmful. Critics say the trend encourages self-centeredness and self-delusion and ruins families …. Here are other big trends that psychologists, sociologists and other experts believe are driving the estrangement crisis …. There is a culture clash happening right now between the meaning and dynamics of family….  The parents of adult children grew up in a culture of “compulsory kinship” ….   Families were supposed to be forever. Even when there were problems, adult children were expected to stay. This idea is now increasingly challenged …. Young people live in an identity-driven culture, defining themselves by their gender, race, sexuality, politics and mental health. This shift over the past several decades has been driven by both social media and a larger cultural movement that emphasizes personal expression and psychological well-being …. Most estrangement experts point to social media, and especially TikTok, as one of the biggest boosters of the trend …. Estrangement as self-care …. For decades, therapists urged families to communicate better and work out differences. But in recent years, many changed tack.” “Adults Cutting off Parents.” Wall Street Journal (Oct. 4, 2026).