What is lucky girl syndrome? New TikTok expression trend explained

The hashtag #luckygirlsyndrome has over 250 million views on the social media platform and users have shared thousands of videos claiming that the trend has benefited them in their careers, finances or life circumstances.

The trend revolves around claiming that chanting “I am the luckiest person alive” as a daily affirmation can lead to creating the lifestyle you desire.

What is lucky girl syndrome?

Lucky girl syndrome is the name of a viral TikTok trend in which people use expression techniques as a way to make their dreams come true.

It involves people reading positive affirmations daily with the belief that they will bring good luck into their lives.

People post videos of their affirmations — often lines like “I’m so lucky,” “everything works out for me,” or “I always get what I want” — as a method of showing off. what they want in life.

Is there a scientific or logical explanation for this?

Psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan told the BBC that the lucky girl syndrome phenomenon is related to confirmation bias, which is the tendency to process new information as confirmation of existing beliefs or theories. person. Under this bias, you remember the times when things went in your favor and ignore the times when they didn’t.

Keenan raises concerns about the assumption that you can “make” your own luck.

“Unfortunately, there are going to be some situations in life where we just can’t express and think to get out,” she said, continuing: “I would worry about people being in situations where they’re not. situations where that probably won’t happen. an effective strategy.”

What happens to the “lucky girls”?

People who participate in this trend believe that they will find their own way in life and achieve their goals by demonstrating their success.

In a video on TikTok, a user claims to have made enough money to put down a deposit on their first home after starting to claim “lucky girl syndrome”.

In another clip, one user claimed that the reason they got into the college they wanted, had a “great career” and had “everything” they wanted was because of their commitment to technical standards. expression.

What are the criticisms of “lucky girl syndrome”?

Many of the TikTok users celebrating this trend are young, white, non-disabled women.

This trend has been criticized by those who argue that users already have certain privileges compared to those who face systemic oppression such as racism or practicability.

Other criticisms are aimed at suggesting that being poor or having difficulty in life is simply due to “luck”.