A number of social media users are growing concerned about a “bizarre” and “unnecessary” trend taking over TikTok, where influencers strip down to their underwear – and sometimes less – to hook viewers into their outfit videos.
The rise of “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos has long been a staple for fashion and lifestyle influencers, but a more provocative format is sparking a heated debate about whether it’s “oversharing.”
In these videos, creators often begin facing away from the camera, completely shirtless, exposing their bare backs and often part of their breasts to the lens before tossing a bra into the air and putting on the first item of clothing in their outfit.
The ‘hook’ strategy
Many have theorized that the trend is a deliberate move to grab attention in an increasingly short-attention-span economy.
According to Meta’s standard for measuring video views, three seconds is all it takes to determine whether viewers will stay or scroll, so these “shirtless” openings may act as a high-engagement hook designed to stop people in their feeds.
Aussie creators, like the one pictured in a floral skirt and then in tailored black pants above, are seen standing with their backs to the camera, exposing their bare skin and the “side-boob” silhouette before the transformation begins.
Another popular video shows an Aussie creator standing in a hallway in denim jeans, tossing a lace bra over her shoulder before hooking it on in front of the camera.
‘I’m over getting flashed’
However, the trend has gone too far for some.
Australian TikToker Joella Jackson recently went viral for calling out the phenomenon, sparking a conversation about whether these everyday outfit videos are becoming hypersexualized.
“Why do some people film them like literally shirtless?” Jackson asked in her video, which has amassed over 300,000 views. “Titties are out!”
“Why am I getting side-boob?! I don’t want to see you putting on your bra. I actually know how to do that,” the creator added.
Social media divided
The comments section was divided between those who found the trend “embarrassing” and those who defended the creators.
“OMG I thought I was crazy for thinking this was weird cause no one ever comments about it,” one user wrote.
Some argued that “people are way too comfortable on this app,” with one critic adding, “It’s genuinely so unnecessary, glad someone else said it.”
Someone else noted, “What scares me is the digital footprint side of it all.”
‘It’s not that deep’
Despite the backlash, many believe the criticism is unwarranted.
“You don’t have to get it. The beauty of this app is that you have autonomy to scroll,” one argued.
Another wrote, “It’s not that deep. I genuinely have never seen this.”
“Why do you care?” one user asked, while another added, “I think if people feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, they should be able to.”
Still, for many, the “uncomfy” nature of the trend was too much to overlook, with some simply asking … “Why?”
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