#trendreport | Honest Thoughts On...?
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3 min
In the world of social media, trends come and go faster than you can refresh your feed. Some resonate deeply with us - others leave us scratching our heads. Here is a rundown of a few trends that people either love - or love to hate.
Girl Dinner
Taking TikTok by storm - this trend involves the girlies (and some guys) showing off their “dinners,” which are often a random assortment of snacks - finger food but less dignified. We’re talking cheese, crackers, pickles or whatever you can find in your cupboards at 9 PM.
@danielle.fewings Girl dinner to the extreme #girldinner #girldinners #girldinnersong ♬ original sound - Karma Carr
Love It or Hate It?
Love
There is so much emphasis on meal prepping and juice cleanses that the girl dinner movement is refreshing for its realism. Not everyone has the time or energy for anything more than a snacky plate.
Hate
Going viral for cheese and crackers has got to be one of the most laughable trends. For girl dinner critics, it can be seen as overly simplistic and normalising bad eating habits. What happened to Instagram-worthy plates?
Clean Girl Aesthetic
This is the visual and lifestyle trend that is rooted in minimalism, fresh skincare routines, neutral tones and an overall polished lifestyle. This aesthetic builds its foundation on perfectly styled hair (the slick back do) and calm, organised spaces. It’s become a highly aspirational lifestyle that has become synonymous with success and balance - for social media consumers only.
@daisyherriott some clean girl aesthetic tips 🤍
♬ original sound - bella ☮︎
Love It or Hate It?
Love
People are drawn to clean, minimalistic aesthetics because it promotes order (hello type A girlies) and is easy to digest - visually and mentally. For those who love organised spaces and routines, this is the visual equivalent of fresh air.
Hate
It can feel unattainable to become a “clean girl”, especially when the realities of life involve mess, stress and the occasional chaos. This aesthetic also has undertones of privilege - it is a lifestyle that requires time and resources.
Oversharing Stories
There has been a rise in long, dramatic stories of relationships, marriages and personal lives in a “12-part series” format. One standout example (and arguably the one who started the whole “x-part series” trend) is the “Who Did I Marry” series by Brooke Schofield, where she spills juicy details of her relationship drama. IYKYK - that man is a LIAR. Sometimes you just need to vent to a neutral person… like the internet.
Love It or Hate It?
Love
People love a good story - and we can’t lie, it caught our attention. We were hooked and waiting for the next update. It’s like experiencing the highs and lows of someone else's life without actually dealing with the fallout.
Hate
It can feel a little intrusive and sometimes can cross the line. There is a fine line between sharing relatable or crazy moments versus exploiting your actual relationship for views. For that, it can feel attention-seeking.
Nara Smith
Nara Smith is an influencer who gained a huge following for her role-play as the “perfect wife/mother” persona. In her videos, she creates a world where whatever her husband or kids want - she’ll make from scratch (home-made cheetos or gum anyone?) She's mastered the art of creating an intimate atmosphere that provides a sensory experience for her audience.
@naraazizasmithsa 🫶🏽#easyrecipe #homecooking #fypツ #snack #cheetos #marriage ♬ son original - Nara Smith
Love It or Hate It?
Love
Nara’s videos can help people unwind and relax or play into the “perfect wife/mother” fantasy - giving us domestic bliss. Her ASMR style videos cam make her audience feel taken care of with her warmth, giving them a nice escape from daily life.
Hate
The “perfect wife” persona can feel outdated because it reinforces gender roles. The expectation that women should be soft-spoken, selfless and nurturing can come across regressive. That said, we enjoy the spoofs other couples have made in response to her videos.
Obsessed or rolling your eyes? These trends reflect online culture, where there's something for everyone, but also something for nearly everyone to dislike. Some of them might seem silly or unrealistic, but as with all things on the internet - the key is to take them with a grain of salt and maybe a cracker and some cheese?
