The “lucky girl syndrome” is the latest trend to take over TikTok, and its adherents believe that affirmation is the key to a successful and lucky life.
Wondering what this is all about – is it time for you to start manifesting? continue reading.
What is the Lucky Girl Syndrome Trend?
Lucky Girl Syndrome is a manifestation—or turning your dreams into reality.
It involves people reciting daily affirmations in the belief that they will bring good luck into their lives.
it was blown up Tik Tokthe #LuckyGirlSyndrome hashtag has surpassed 130 million views.
People have posted affirmation videos with words like ‘I’m lucky’, ‘Everything is in my favor’ and ‘I always get what I want’ and describe how lucky girl syndrome has changed their lives.
What does it really mean to be a lucky girl?
Lucky girls find their way – traffic lights turn green, job opportunities appear and full restaurants miraculously open.
TikTok is flooded with videos of young women sharing their luck after receiving confirmation — with many claiming they were initially skeptical it would work.
In one video, a woman describes buying an iPhone and Apple Watch for $18 after she spontaneously decided to join a gym, leading her to a deal that was about to expire.
In another case, someone said their husband won a $900 sports bet after talking about his performance for the day.
Is there a reasonable explanation for this?
Psychologist Dr Carolyne Keenan told the BBC that lucky girl syndrome is related to confirmation bias, the tendency to process information by identifying things that align with your existing beliefs. You remember the times when things did work out in your favor and ignore the times when they didn’t.
She expressed concern about the downside of the assumption that you can make your own luck.
“Unfortunately, there are situations in life that we can’t act out and figure out how to get out of,” she said.
“I would be concerned that people are in a situation that might not be an effective strategy.”
She also points out that chalking things up to luck can overlook the hard work involved.
What Are the Criticisms of Lucky Girl Syndrome?
In addition to ignoring hard work, lucky girl syndrome doesn’t explain privilege.
Most of the accounts posting Lucky Girl success stories are from young, white, able-bodied women.
The trend has come under fire from some who say it’s inherently racist and ableist because it assumes that anyone can get what they want – but not for those who are systematically oppressed in their way , this may not be the case.
Another flip side of lucky girl syndrome is thinking that bad luck is also your fault, which can create anxiety, shame, and defeatism when things don’t go your way.