Written by: Allison Grundy
Some trends on social media can be positive and others negative, while most seem to just be confusing to the average person. Yet trends are important to notice, as they tend to speak to the desires of the masses.
With this in mind, the “slow living” trend, which has become popular on social media within the last year or two, refers to a kind of life that is lived intentionally. The word “slow” here means taking the time to think and feel through decisions.
These ideals are reflected through people going on walks, being in nature, cooking or pursuing creative endeavors — especially ones that involve reflection, such as writing and journaling. Another layer to this trend involves influencers who are leading more self-sufficient lives, which include endeavors such as growing their own food and creating their own energy.
This movement is parallel to a movement of young women promoting the ways they’re preparing to be good wives and mothers. These trends go beyond just staying at home by stressing the importance of living more naturally, submitting to their families and being a good homemaker. Such movements may seem surprisingly old-fashioned to some people; however, it is interesting to see so many are interested in a revolution toward a lifestyle that would usually be considered less common.
Instagram boasts over 6 million posts under the hashtag #slowliving, and many more appear under similar tags. The trend promotes a lifestyle that calls for a better work/life balance and the idea that people should spend more time being intentional.
So, is this a good movement? The answer is difficult because platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where these trends are popularized, seem to remove some of the integrity from the movements. Ironically, this lifestyle that encourages downtime from the internet is widely promoted through posts on social media.
Nothing is wrong with the slow living trend on social media, but people are unlikely to reap the benefits of the movement if they are busy scrolling and comparing themselves on social media. Social media is so removed from real life that it’s never a good practice to make too many assumptions about people’s posts and online habits. The values of the movement are important and speak to the societal concerns of the new generation.
For example, coping with burnout and stress are serious issues. And there is a need to reflect on living a more conscious and intentional lifestyle, cutting back on consumption and removing the obstacles in life that don’t make a person happy. But at the end of the day, a trend is temporary. And it’s a shame to see trends with good messages come to an end.
If you are craving authenticity and “slow living” is a lifestyle that appeals to you, I think it’s important to create a change of pace that works for you. Finding inspiration from others may be one of the greatest gifts that the internet has given humanity, but social media is the last place to look if one wants to be present in the moment. Don’t let your choices be performative statements. Let them be a way of life.
