It's no secret that TikTok has been plagued by controversies over the years due to its tendency to spawn dangerous trends. Users, usually young people, have participated in viral challenges that pose risks to their physical and mental health, leading to injuries and even death. This has led to increased scrutiny from governments and users alike, raising questions about the platform's impact on society and its long-term prospects.
And while the excessive use of social media can negatively impact mental health, there are times when it can highlight a trend that can positively impact lives. This is what happened with the "very demure, very mindful" trend that has flooded TikTok the last few weeks, with users worldwide incorporating the phrase into their videos.
This delightful trend began with the now famous TikToker Jools Lebron, a makeup artist and influencer who utilizes her social media platform to share her experiences as a "plus-size trans woman." In her videos, she discusses her identity as well as her passion for all things considered feminine.
In the video that went viral, she used the phrase to satirically highlight the notion that women should present themselves conservatively in the workplace.
As she mentioned on CBS Mornings, when she started making TikToks, she found more women who shared her experiences and were plus-size and transgender.
However, for her, being "demure" isn't just about external appearance; it's more about being confident and self-aware.
The “very demure, very mindful” got so big that some of the most famous celebrities created videos using Jools Lebron's catchphrase, including Ben Badgley, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, and RuPaul. Even NASA jumped in on the fun, posting a picture of Saturn on social media, describing it “Very demure. Very Cutesy. Very Mindful.”
In another video, she encourages her followers to make their own TikTok videos, explaining the positive consequences of her content going viral.
“Maybe you should make the videos because one day I was playing cashier and making videos on my break and now I'm flying across the country to host events and I'm going to be able to finance the rest of my transition”.
But social media experts weighed in and pointed out that it's exceptionally difficult to become a viral sensation and build income streams that allow you to quit your day job. And it's even more challenging to keep those streams constantly flowing.
Regardless, this fun and heartwarming movement not only empowers individuals to love themselves and be confident, but also demonstrates the potential for social media to foster understanding, empathy, and support within diverse communities. In the end, it does matter.
It is up to us, the users, to use the modern-day gift of social media for good and make sure that positive trends continue to dominate the digital landscape, drowning out the negative noise that plagues our feeds.
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