In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity surrounding the phenomenon known as "teen glow-up culture." The term "glow-up" refers to the transformative journey of individuals during their teenage years, wherein they undergo significant physical, emotional, and sometimes social changes, ultimately transforming into a more confident and attractive version of themselves. This cultural trend has been fueled by the rise of social media platforms, which provide an accessible platform for teenagers to showcase their personal glow-up journeys to a global audience. While on the surface, teen glow-up culture may appear to promote self-improvement and empowerment, its implications are complex, raising questions about societal expectations, self-worth, and the influence of virtual validation on adolescent development.
Truth be told, the idea of “glowing up” has been showcased ever since the early 2000s in
shows like America’s Top Model, where the show’s imagery reinforced eating disorders and body dysmorphia in service to the ideology of corporate fashion and beauty advertisers. While shows like this are no longer able to encourage unkind transformations on air, the glow-up has found modern relevance on social media, a place commonly acknowledged as being harmful to a teenager’s mental health. So why is glow-up culture a trend? “It is not unusual for individuals struggling with body image and self esteem to feel validated when they can measure their worth through numbers,” Kirsten Oelklaus, an eating disorders counselor, told Vogue, and her statement holds value; for many young individuals, the pursuit of the glow-up is driven by the desire for external validation– whether they be on the scale, in clothing sizes, or out of the amount of likes they get on social media. “Unfortunately, this path forces the person to continue to seek additional change, reinforcing the frame that they are never enough,” Oelklaus adds.
As the glow-up culture gains momentum, it is essential to recognize the underlying psychological and emotional toll it may exact on impressionable teenagers. The pursuit of external validation through likes and followers can create a never-ending cycle of seeking approval from others, reinforcing the notion that their worth is contingent upon achieving an ever-elusive standard of perfection. This relentless quest for validation can lead to a perpetual feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt, fueling a sense of never being "enough" in the eyes of others.
Furthermore, the prevalence of heavily edited and curated images on social media exacerbates the issue, setting unrealistic beauty standards that are unattainable for most individuals. Young people may find themselves constantly comparing their appearances and lives to the seemingly flawless influencers they follow, fostering feelings of insecurity and alienation. In addition to the mental and emotional impact, glow-up culture may also contribute to a distorted sense of self and identity. The emphasis on external transformations can overshadow the importance of inner growth and self-acceptance. Teenagers may feel pressured to conform to societal norms and sacrifice their authentic selves in pursuit of an idealized version of who they should be.
As society continues to grapple with the complexities of the digital age, it becomes crucial to foster conversations that encourage a healthy relationship with self-image and social media. Encouraging teenagers to embrace their uniqueness, recognize their inherent worth beyond superficial metrics, and prioritize their mental well-being can be a powerful antidote to the detrimental effects of glow-up culture. Promoting messages of self-love, body positivity, and resilience can help adolescents navigate the challenges of the digital world while fostering a more compassionate and empowering online environment for everyone.
Works Cited
Pitcher, Laura. "It's Time to Leave Toxic 'Glow-Up' Culture behind in 2021." British Vogue, 20 Dec.
2021, www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/toxic-glow-up-culture. Accessed 29 July 2023.
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