Social media is a powerful influence on teen culture. The current, and highly influential trend for teen girls, is the “That Girl” Trend. On TikTok, Instagram and other popular platforms girls are being flooded with curated videos of influencers flaunting a so-called healthy lifestyle:  wake up early, eat various “skinny girl” diets, journal, exercise and meditate. 

On the surface, this may seem harmless, even helpful, but zoom-in and you’ll discover that this trend is fueling comparison and a quiet but heavy pressure to be perfect. As a parent, understanding this trend and how it may be impacting your daughter is key to supporting her mental health and self-worth.

What Exactly Is the “That Girl” Trend?

“That Girl” is a viral aesthetic and lifestyle trend promoting productivity, self-improvement, and “glow-up” routines. These videos are often visually beautiful, set to soothing music, and packed with messages about becoming your best self—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

At its best, it promotes wellness and personal growth. But it often sends a hidden message: You’re not good enough as you are and if you’re not constantly improving and striving for perfection, you’re failing. 

The Problem with Perfection

While structure, healthy habits, and self-care are positive, the “That Girl” trend can backfire when appearances replace authenticity.

Here’s how:

• Unrealistic Standards: Most videos are carefully edited and don’t reflect real-life ups and downs. Teens may assume others are effortlessly living these routines.
• Toxic Positivity: The message that you must always be happy, productive, and in control can lead to shame when your teen feels sad, overwhelmed, or unmotivated.
• Comparison Culture: Watching these routines day after day can make your teen question her own worth, especially if she’s struggling with motivation, mental health, or body image or if she doesn’t have access to the products that make these online personalities appear perfect.

Signs Your Teen is Feeling the Pressure

• She’s become hyper-critical of her own routines, productivity, or appearance.
• She’s trying to adopt extreme habits that feel performative or unsustainable.
• She seems discouraged or anxious when she doesn’t meet high expectations she sets for herself.
• She’s increasingly glued to wellness or “glow-up” content online—and comparing herself to it.

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How You Can Support Your Teen

1. Talk Openly About What She’s Seeing Online
Ask questions like:
“What do you think of those ‘That Girl’ routines?” or “Do you ever feel pressure to be like the people you see on TikTok?”
Keep the tone curious, not critical. Teens are more open when they don’t feel judged.

2. Validate Real-Life Struggles
Let her know it’s okay to have off days, to sleep in, or to not have a perfect routine. Remind her that rest is productive too—and emotions like sadness, desire, or frustration are normal!

3.Celebrate Real Self-Care, Not Just Aesthetics
Help her understand that self-care is what actually helps her feel good—not what looks good on social media. That might be a walk, a good cry, or hanging out with a friend instead of becoming consumed with unsustainable routines.

4. Be Honest About Your Own Imperfections
Sharing your own ups and downs can make you more relatable and help her understand that no one lives in a perfectly curated world—even adults.

5. Encourage Media Literacy
Teach her to question what she sees:
“Was that video edited?”
“Do you think that person feels pressure to post perfect content?”
Developing this lens helps her become a mindful consumer, not a passive one.

Final Thoughts

The “That Girl” trend may look inspiring, but for many teen girls, it can stir up anxiety, comparison, and unrealistic expectations. As a parent, you have the power to ground your daughter in reality and remind her that she doesn’t need to be perfect to be valuable.

Let her know: Being real is better than being aesthetic. And being human is always enough.