We’re no stranger to the GRWM acronym.
Characterized by people filming themselves as they share stories and get ready for the day, Get Ready With Me videos have spread like wildfire on social media.
Boasting nearly 12 million posts on TikTok, GRWMs offer a glimpse into the lives of influencers that can feel both intimate and casual. The familiarity of beauty routines and the confessional tone fosters a sense of connection reminiscent of chatting with a friend. However, underneath the skincare routines and makeup lies a dark reality that underscores our growing culture of oversharing and declining mental health.
In January of 2023, 17-year-old Sophie Thomas posted a “GRWM to break up with my boyfriend” video, in which she announced the downfall of their relationship.
In another TikTok, influencer Maggie Nowers posted a “GRWM to go to my grandfather’s funeral” video. In a Dazed Digital interview, she asserted that sharing her personal life in her content is essential for fostering a bond with viewers.
For many, GRWM videos provide a safe space for individuals to divulge deeply personal struggles. Dr. Melanie Kennedy describes this phenomenon as “girl’s bedroom culture,” or the informal yet intimate nature of sharing within the comfort of one’s room.
Even so, girl’s bedroom culture and the appealing qualities of GRWMs raise severe concerns.
One of the many dangers of GRWM culture is its potential to cultivate a false sense of community and connection. As influencers spill their guts online, viewers can develop parasocial relationships, or the illusion of intimate connections with individuals we’ve never met. This fantasy can lead people to depend on online interactions to combat feelings of loneliness.
Relying on social media and GRWM videos as a source of comfort can cause individuals to sink deeper into darkness and isolation when the online validation they seek fails to materialize. We don’t need to add more depression to the world’s growing pile of mental health struggles.
For some, social anxiety makes sharing personal details online much easier than engaging in face-to-face interactions. That being so, GRWM videos provide an outlet for these individuals to express themselves.
However, these habits can spiral into an unhealthy pattern of oversharing, as well as a lack of self-control. The comfort of appearing relatable and honest online can quickly morph into a perpetual need for attention and affirmation.
Avid consumers of GRWM videos will propose that such content encourages interaction and transparency on social media. By weaving their personalities into their uploads, influencers can foster a comfortable environment where viewers feel seen and heard.
This sense of community can fight feelings of isolation, especially during difficult times. After all, the vulnerability showcased in GRWM videos can be refreshing in a world that praises polished perfection.
Even so, this perspective fails to recognize the darker implications of these digital interactions. The temporary comfort that GRWM videos offer can create emotional dependencies that ultimately injure mental health.
GRWMs may seek to build community, but they cannot cure the reality that many viewers are left feeling more isolated when the screen goes dark, yearning for something more than digital comments and fleeting videos.
GRWM videos capture a modern paradox: they are both a source of solace and a hotspot for unhealthy behaviors. Their intimate nature can cultivate a comforting atmosphere, but they also contribute to our culture of oversharing that can undermine genuine connections and mental health.
Social media and influencer culture aren’t going anywhere.
As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, we must carefully consider the content we take in and the emotional impacts it can make on our livelihoods.
