Why We Love a “Day in my Life”
As a regular on social media platforms like TikTok, I frequently come across “day in my life” videos. This trend has evolved from its roots on YouTube, where people would share fifteen-minute videos of their daily routines. As TikTok has risen in popularity, “day in my life” content has made its appearance. TikTok has transformed this trend into short video montages or slideshows of pictures from the day. More and more people have started to partake in this trend which has left me wondering what it is about “day in my life” videos that capture our attention.
From the viewer’s standpoint, “day in my life” videos have an authentic feel that can offer insight into others’ lives. These videos can be a source of inspiration. Seeing how productive someone can be throughout their day can motivate others to be productive as well. It can also inspire new hobbies, recipes, self-care practices, and routines. I can attest to this, as I have felt prompted to wake up earlier and get more done in the morning after binging these videos. In addition, it is also extremely entertaining to watch someone complete an entire day in less than a minute. The fast-paced nature of these videos makes them extremely easy and addicting to watch.
The creators of “day in my life” videos range from top content creators to the most average TikTok users, with a following of only their family and friends. I believe that these videos have become so popular to make for a variety of reasons. For one, using editing techniques, selecting a fitting song, and aesthetically capturing moments from your day can be a great creative outlet. Creating these videos allows an opportunity to play with your own individual style. Another reason that these videos are enticing to make is that they can motivate you to live a full and intentional life. When you know that everyone will be seeing your day, you are more likely to be thoughtful of your plans and actions. Lastly, making these videos can capture memories and important moments from your life that you can share with others and look back upon.
While I have pointed out many positives of “day in my life” video content for both the viewers and the creators, there are still downsides that should be mentioned. These videos can often feel like highlight reels, where people are only posting the best parts of their days or their best days in general. It is rare to see someone post a video of a day where they were unproductive, sad, or alone. It can be hard not to turn these videos into a comparison tool. For content creators, there can be pressure to live up to a certain unrealistic standard in their videos. It can reach a point where it feels like a performance.
All in all, “day in my life” videos are a creative and encouraging trend that can connect us through sharing our lives. There are positives to viewing them as well as creating them. However, it is important to keep in mind that people are only posting what they want to be seen. Staying mindful of how what we are consuming on the internet is affecting our self-perception and well-being is key.
