Over the past decade, a distinct rivalry has emerged between Millennials and Gen Z, particularly manifesting in the realm of fashion and beauty trends. This generational conflict reveals preferences that are often starkly opposed: skinny jeans versus wide-leg jeans, side parts versus middle parts, and ankle boots versus cowboy boots. As trends have shifted towards the style preferences of younger Gen Z-ers, many Millennials have felt the societal pressure to conform to these evolving standards, often striving to appear younger. However, a new trend on TikTok challenges this notion, sparking discussions about age perception among women on social media.
The trend revolves around a simple yet potentially dangerous question: “How old do I look?” This query has proliferated on platforms like TikTok, where women seek validation or criticism about their appearance. The problem lies not in the question itself but in the responses that follow. Influencers and regular users alike engage with this trend, often leading to shocking and blunt assessments that can significantly impact self-esteem. As social media continues to amplify unrealistic beauty standards through the prevalence of filters and fillers, those who are aging naturally may be viewed as older than they truly are, leading to harmful comparisons.
TikTok user @sonia.houseofgoddess recently shared her experience with this trend. In her video, she presented various photos with and without makeup, seeking honest feedback about her age appearance. However, the results were disheartening; many viewers estimated her age to be 55 when she is only 35. Subsequently, she experimented with her makeup, adjusting her look based on the advice of commenters, and engaged with her audience about changes to her hairstyle as well. Despite some constructive comments, the overall feedback proved overwhelming, prompting Sonia to turn off comments on her original video to shield herself from negativity.
This trend is not isolated to Sonia; many creators have similarly engaged with the ‘how old do I look’ challenge, often encountering harsh criticism. Another TikTok user, @carrieshade, 29, faced brutal comments suggesting her age ranged from 28 to 34, based on her hairstyle and attire. Such interactions highlight the often cruel nature of online criticism, where commenters draw instant conclusions based on superficial aspects of appearance. In a more extreme case, @justpeachy779 overhauled her look after facing comments that suggested she looked older than her 40 years, embracing the title of ‘glow up expert’ as she sought to transform her appearance based on feedback.
Despite the harshness of the comments, the ‘how old do I look’ trend does hold a potential benefit: it offers a way for individuals to seek honest feedback about their appearance. For those wanting to freshen up their look, this trend can serve as a valuable source of insights, though the reality of receiving unsolicited and sometimes brutal opinions must be acknowledged. There’s nothing inherently negative about the desire to look youthful or to follow trends; it becomes problematic only if it stems from societal pressure rather than personal desire.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to recognize that aging is a natural process, and individuals should feel comfortable embracing their age. The pursuit of youthfulness shouldn’t overshadow the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. As the TikTok trend reveals, the advice and opinions of one generation may not always be applicable or healthy for another. Therefore, it’s vital to approach this feedback with a discerning mindset, ensuring that the quest for beauty doesn’t lead to a negative self-image. Aging gracefully and authentically can be just as beautiful as any fleeting trend.
