"That Girl"

Wake up at 5 a.m. Go to pilates class. Come home to a spotless New York apartment and prepare green juice. Complete a 20-step skin care routine. Most importantly, don't forget to film every moment.

This lifestyle based around routines has erupted in popularity on social media platforms including TikKok and Instagram. Endless videos of seamlessly aesthetic workouts and appetizing smoothies have taken over For You pages. Examples of this so-called "ideal" lifestyle have resulted in coining the term, "That Girl," suggesting that if viewers follow the specific daily routines they see online, then they, too, can become "That Girl."

Junior Brianna Such noted that the growing trend does have some positive benefits. "'That Girl' to me has always been an idea, rather than a given person," she said, explaining that the lifestyle is impressive to her. "I've never been the best about productivity, but when I was in the 'That Girl' mindset, it really helped."

Such explained that watching these videos could help increase a person's productivity and motivation, and junior Jada Pearman agreed. For Pearman, self-improvement is essential. "I think that self-improvement and self care are signs that a person is putting themselves first," she said.

Romanticizing daily tasks for social media can have just as many cons as pros, however. While it can be helpful to apply certain aspects of the "That Girl" trend to one's life, it's also a double-edged sword. "I think that trying to bring yourself to that level of 'perfection' can be beneficial – but also destructive – in a sense that you can hold yourself to a very high standard," explained Pearman. "It can also hurt you as a person if you have to change who you are in order to fit that standard."

As part of her daily routine, junior Jada Pearman straightens up her make-up table and hair accessories. Photo by Chloe Sumner

"It's okay to strive to be a better person and more organized, but I think it can get a little radical," said sophomore Cameron Haughawout. "I feel like it's more about the aesthetic and not the actual lifestyle." Haughawout is no stranger to romanticizing the little things in life, but he believes it is better to tread carefully when it comes to perfecting oneself. He added, "If you get too productive, it can mentally drain you in a way that is harmful for both your physical and mental health."

There is a fine line between becoming more motivated and inspired due to social media, and becoming too obsessed with perfection. Trends such as these can even have the opposite effect as intended -- if one becomes too fixated on being the best version of themselves, it can result in burnout. "Striving for perfection will never help because no one is perfect, and you will never reach your end goal," said Such. "Striving for productivity is a better goal, but you have to be consistent."

In regards to productivity and self improvement, Pearman explained why she believes it has become such a popular trend. "Self-wellness has become very widespread because the media wants people to have a better mental state, and when you learn to take care of yourself before everyone else, it starts to feel like no one else's opinion matters," she stated.

As the "That Girl" trend continues to spread, Haughawout offered a piece of advice to anyone hoping to make their lives more productive. "Take it step by step," he said. "You don't have to go cold turkey on everything. If you want to be 'That Girl' or 'That Guy,' you already are."

Story by Lily Saylor