‘What a Privilege’ trend makes a viral comeback on social media

An unexpected new trend has taken over social media platforms that highlights the need for gratitude in everyday life.

Posts titled “What a Privilege…” are gaining massive amounts of traction across Instagram and TikTok, spanning both mundane and luxurious occurrences. They feature everything from videos of travelling to images or cozy beds to sarcastic thoughts about going to work.

Combining appreciation of daily activities with an occasional dose of irony, the trend is noteworthy for bringing a shift in perspective that allows one to view life in a new and refreshing way.

Here are Some Posts with the Trend:

 

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A post shared by Jainika ● (@evolve_influence_repeat)

 

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A post shared by 🧿 BG 🧿 (@heybeneah)

 

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A post shared by kyi • UGC (@findingkyi)

 

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A post shared by MISO *⋆ ⍋*⋆⍋⋆* (@momentswithmiso)

 

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A post shared by Shweta (@shwetavijaynair)

 

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A post shared by Fidán (@sincerely.fidan)

While the trend has not reached the heights of 2014’s hashtag ‘Blessed’ or 2020’s ‘I am thankful for …’ phase, it is nonetheless a rapidly growing digital sensation and is gaining immense traction online, with some posts attracting over 200k likes.

In particular, it appears to be a pushback against the negativity and self-depreciation that often floods social media. However, users have also highlighted the potential drawbacks of toxic positivity, and the need to balance the two.

What do you think of the trend?