Buzz
The TikTok trend behind the 'girlfriend effect' and the debate surrounding it
If you're on TikTok, you've likely seen a few posts about the 'girlfriend effect.' But what exactly does this viral trend mean, and is there any truth behind it? If you're curious, you're in the right place! We’ve gathered a detailed guide on the girlfriend effect, explaining its origins, what it implies, and the criticisms that come with it. Keep reading to learn all the essentials!
A Quick Overview of the 'Girlfriend Effect'
The 'girlfriend effect' is a concept suggesting that men become more attractive and develop a stronger sense of style after entering a relationship with a woman. This idea became popular through a viral TikTok trend where users posted side-by-side photos showing how a man's style improved after starting a relationship.
Steps
What is the 'Girlfriend Effect'?
The 'girlfriend effect' refers to a man becoming more attractive after entering a relationship with a girlfriend. It implies that a man might develop a better sense of style, radiate a more appealing aura, and experience an overall 'glow-up' once he's in a relationship. This phenomenon is often visible through changes in his wardrobe, but can also encompass improvements like adopting a skincare routine, getting fitter, or gaining more self-confidence.
- The 'girlfriend effect' is largely a trend on social media and doesn't suggest that every man will undergo these changes after starting a relationship.
What is the 'girlfriend effect' trend on TikTok?
This TikTok trend involves sharing before-and-after photos of men after they've met their girlfriends. These photos often highlight a noticeable boost in the men’s confidence, style, and overall attractiveness after entering the relationship.
Where did the 'girlfriend effect' originate?
Is the 'Girlfriend Effect' Real?
It’s possible for a man’s style to change after entering a relationship. When two people start dating, they naturally want to look good for each other. So, if a girlfriend suggests ways her partner could improve his style, he’s likely to consider trying them out.
- There’s even some research showing that couples tend to grow more alike over time. So, if a man who doesn’t care much about fashion begins dating a woman who loves it, he may gradually start taking more interest in it himself.
Criticisms of the 'Girlfriend Effect'
Some critics argue that the trend suppresses men’s personal styles. While many men and their girlfriends have posted about the 'girlfriend effect' positively, some critics believe these posts often show men abandoning their unique sense of style to adopt a more generic or trendy look. They suggest that this trend takes away a man’s individuality and limits his freedom to express himself.
- While these critiques hold weight, some men who’ve participated in the trend say they didn’t feel confident in their fashion choices before and view their girlfriend’s input as helpful and positive.
- Other critics feel the trend is a way for girlfriends to influence or control what their boyfriends wear to fit her online aesthetic, with some even questioning whether it’s ethical to 'change' a partner.
Others contend that the outfits in the 'before' photos were already stylish. These critics argue that the so-called 'improvement' in a man’s style isn’t because of his girlfriend—it’s simply a matter of him letting go of outdated trends and embracing new ones as they come into style.
- Some also suggest that the men may have aged a few years during their relationships, which also contributed to their increased confidence and self-assuredness in the 'after' photos.
