How Being #That Girl Perpetuates Hustle Culture and Toxic Productivity
The #thatgirl trend on TikTok and Instagram is hustle culture repackaged for millennial and Gen Z audiences
Who is #thatgirl?
A trending piano audio clip, a sun-filled bedroom with shadows dancing on the walls, a perfectly manicured hand turns off the 5:00 am alarm. You’re in # thatgirl’s bedroom, about to get a glimpse into her morning routine through your phone.
She jumps out of bed, makes a matcha drink, and pours coffee over ice cubes in beautiful glassware. She writes in her journal, pulls on pristine designer sneakers and a matching workout set to hit the gym.
All of this to the tune of her soft voice-over about how no one is coming to help you achieve your goals. It’s up to you to be that girl. To be like her.
You stare into your soggy bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios with a dejected sigh. If only you could afford a matcha powder subscription at $14.99 a month. You’d be manifesting millions too.
The #thatgirl trend has taken TikTok by storm, bringing vignettes of productivity and hustle culture to the app. For a platform predominantly used by Gen Z that is largely about being authentic, radical, and even activist…
