Column by J1 Reporter Olivia French

The “glow up” trend can seem harmless or even empowering, it’s about self growth right? Under the surface, it carries a darker message: that your natural, in-between self isn’t good enough.

When you look closer, especially from the perspective of a high school student, the glow up trend is more toxic than it seems. 

It sends the message that who you are right now isn’t enough.

As you scroll through TikTok or Instagram, you’ll see tons of glow up videos. 

Most show side-by-side pictures from middle school vs. now, or show someone “transforming” with things like makeup.

While some of them are funny or meant to be lighthearted, there’s usually one clear message: the “before” is awkward, unattractive, and embarrassing, and the “after” is hot, cool, and finally “worth something.” 

That message hits hard when you’re in high school and still going through changes, physically and emotionally.

The pressure to “glow up” makes a lot of us feel like we’re on a deadline to be perfect. As if being a normal teen with acne, braces, or a sense of fashion that’s still developing means you’re failing. 

But high school isn’t supposed to be about peaking, it’s about growing. 

Everyone’s still learning who they are. When glow ups are all about looks, it makes it seem like personality, values, and emotional growth don’t matter unless they come with a jawline or clear skin.

Worse, this trend creates a constant comparison cycle. You’re watching your classmates or influencers go viral for their glow ups, and you start wondering, “Why haven’t I had mine yet?” 

If we’re going to talk about glow ups, we should redefine them. The real glow isn’t about how you look, it’s about becoming more confident in who you are, being kind, finding your passions, and standing up for yourself. 

That kind of growth might not get thousands of likes, but it actually lasts.

Next time you see a glow up post, remember you don’t need to “transform” to be great. You’re allowed to be a work in progress. Agree with me?