Rachel Hale is a Youth Mental Health Reporter at USA TODAY. Her work frequently explores the ways culture, technology, and social trends shape young people’s lives. Hale is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Journalism and Political Science. She is based in New York City.
Our journalists adhere to the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct For Newsrooms.
My Recent Work
What is 'blueification'? Why Gen Z is renaming states after the election
She thought her Hinge match’s photo looked off. Then she realized why
Martha Stewart's homeless costume and why so many were insulted
Boy moms are stocking up on 'decoy hoodies.' What's going on?
What is 'bloomscrolling'? The new social media trend that's changing phone screens
Meet the new toxic dating trend, ‘cushioning.’ Is it cheating?
They let their 10-year-old ‘whimsymax.’ The results will shock you
She played the ultimate ‘cringe’ character. Now, she’s reprising the role
They sought help after sextortion. The FTC says they were preyed upon
The planned Fort Hood execution, the internet’s disbelief and how we got here
Singles are trying an unexpected way to find dates. It involves calling restaurants
They put ChatGPT's teen features to the test. The results were shocking
What does ketamine do? What to know about the drug in the Cornell case
Chad Lowe’s daughter died by suicide. The devastating reality of youth suicide
As some try to unmask Cornell's 'Jane Doe,' countless women come forward
What are BORGs? Huge drinks show up on TikTok BORG trend raises questions about college drinking risks
Are you ‘unc’? Here’s what Gen Alpha’s latest insult means College kids love BORGs. A new study reveals the consequences
TikTok can’t get enough of this Texas homecoming trend. What is it?
He pushed men to extremes in the name of hotness. Now he faces criminal charges
More than half of young people say they've ghosted a date over this issue
Presley Gerber underwent ibogaine treatment months before his death
Playboy asked Gen Z about sex. Their answers revealed a surprising problem
Gen Z is using 'ghost posting' as a trick online. What is it?
On the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's death, many Gen Zers are sharing odd posts. Here's why.
She was convicted after letting her 5-year-old walk alone. Is this the new reality?
A frat threw a wellness party. Why is the internet angry?
I tried Gen Z’s new ways to find love. Here’s what I learned
Gen Z men are skipping showers to attract women. Does 'pheromone-maxxing' work?
Gen Z, Gen Alpha and the slow death of the digital childhood
Why Dolly Parton’s death feels like the end of an era
'Polyester’ is Gen Z’s newest insult. Here’s what it means. Gen Z has a new favorite insult. What is it?
What’s an analog bag and why are young people walking around with them?
Inside the summer camp that functions like a pediatric hospital
They spend most of the year as patients. Here, they're just campers.
More young cancer patients are making this life changing choice
She spoke out about her husband's allegations. Then she was found dead
Why you think you have this alarming mental health condition
I quit my smartphone for one month. It changed me.
People are ditching smartphones amid a growing movement to get offline. See how.
Took a trip July 4 weekend? This study says your friends are likely to not pay you back
She paid for a party and the guests never showed. It's a growing trend.
'Toy Story 5' reignites controversial screen time debate. Why it matters
At this ‘Toy Story 5’ viewing, families talked about screens
8 years after a shotgun blast, she's finally seeing herself again
JoJo Siwa and why the ‘lavender’ Chris Hughes comments need to stop
'Tanmaxxing' is Gen Z's latest beauty trend. Experts have concerns.