From ‘girl math’ to ‘girl dinner’ and now ‘I’m just a girl’, feminised trends are all over social media. When something is labelled as ‘for girls,’ it unites many women, like a secret handshake of sisterhood. While it is fun to bond over girl stuff, these girl trends can also be patronising. They feed internalised misogyny and perpetuate outdated stereotypes about women.
We have gone from trying to eliminate stereotypes and labels to now promoting gender-based trends that only perpetuate them. It is sad to witness this shift. What started as fun and bonding over ‘girl stuff’ has now shifted into something that we need to rethink.
Problematic ‘Girl Trends’: Why we need to rethink the ‘Girl Math’ narrative
One of the most popular girl trends, ‘Girl Math,’ revolves around the idea that women justify unnecessary spending with flawed logic. For example, if a woman returns a pair of jeans and receives store credit, she counts it as “free money.” While these types of jokes may seem lighthearted, they perpetuate the stereotype that women are frivolous or irresponsible with money.
An influencer might post, “If I didn’t spend money today, I basically saved money. That’s girl math!” Girl math logic says that if you don’t buy something on sale, you’re losing money. Or if you buy something under ₹100, it’s not considered real money because it’s practically free at that price. These are just a couple of examples to show that calculations in “girl math” don’t make sense, but young women worldwide find the concept relatable. Unfortunately, these kinds of posts flood TikTok and Instagram, gaining millions of views and likes. Even though “girl math” is all fun and games, it hits just as hard as the assumption that women are bad drivers.
When you look deeper, these trends subtly echo the age-old belief that women are not good with finances. Historically, women were excluded from financial decisions, denied the right to open bank accounts, and stereotyped as financially incompetent. ‘Girl Math’ brings that stereotype into the 21st century in a subtle yet harmful way. Back then, jokes about women being less intelligent might have been accepted, but today, it is not something we can brush off lightly.
The ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ is another toxic ‘Girl Trend’
The ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ is another popular trend where women present themselves with minimal makeup, sleek hair, and flawless skin. The idea is to resemble celebrities or influencers like Hailey Bieber. However, the real problem lies in the language associated with this trend. The term ‘clean’ implies that those who do not meet these beauty standards are somehow ‘dirty.’
This trend brings back memories for many Indian women who, as children, were mocked for oiling their hair neatly for school. Back then, this practice was labelled ‘unattractive’ or ‘uncool.’ But now, with a few popular influencers showcasing it as a beauty standard, the same look has suddenly become desirable. This contradictory standard is not just hypocritical—it is harmful. It suggests that beauty is only valid when it fits into the narrow, Eurocentric ‘clean’ aesthetic.
Does this mean women with acne, body hair, or textured skin are excluded from beauty? When beauty standards become so specific and rigid, they promote exclusion rather than inclusion.
“I’m Just a Girl” No, You are not.
The phrase “I’m Just a Girl” originated from the 1999 film Notting Hill. In the scene, Julia Roberts’ character, Anna, says, “Don’t forget. I’m also just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her.” Unfortunately, the phrase “just a girl” has been taken up by internet culture as a way for women to downplay their abilities and laugh at their own faults. But sometimes, these jokes can turn into misogyny.
One TikTok video in this trend goes, “I’m literally just a girl; all I wanna do is go shopping, look pretty & daydream.” These videos imply that these women are childish, lack basic skills or knowledge, and struggle with maths, driving, and office work. Some argue it is a response to “boys will be boys.” However, this trend essentially avoids responsibility by saying, “I’m just a girl,” much like how “boys will be boys” is used to excuse bad behaviour.
Women have fought for decades to be seen as equals in the workplace, in education, and at home. The ‘I’m just a girl’ trend pushes us back into a stereotype of helplessness and fragility. It is a dangerous message wrapped in lighthearted content.
The final thoughts on these problematic girl trends
While ‘Girl Trends’ on TikTok and Instagram may start off as lighthearted fun, they carry a deeper implication. These trends reinforce harmful stereotypes about women. Trends like ‘girl math,’ ‘clean girl aesthetic,’ and ‘I’m just a girl’ subtly tell women that they are inherently flawed or less capable simply because of their gender. It goes against the progress made toward gender equality.
Rather than subscribing to these trends, it is more empowering to embrace individuality. Some women love wearing makeup, while others don’t. Some thrive on saving money, while others indulge in occasional splurges. There is no ‘right’ way to be a woman, and no trend should dictate how women should behave, look, or spend.
Let us embrace diversity and individuality rather than letting social media trends box women into limiting stereotypes. It is time to rethink these ‘Girl Trends’ and make sure that they don’t contribute to the very biases we are trying to overcome.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
