One Dimensional Stereotypes

Chaerin Kang
2 days ago
3 min read

By Srihita Madiraju Dec. 11, 2025

Although social media claims to be a space for self expression and individuality, it can often do the exact opposite. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become breeding grounds for stereotypes that categorize users into narrow labels, ridiculing certain sets of behaviors or traits or dictating how people should act. When taken to the extreme, these harmful nicknames can cause self-censorship and the suppression of people’s genuine personalities.

“The internet can be too careless with how they throw labels on everybody, showing little empathy through reducing a human being to a teasing stereotype. I do it too sometimes, categorizing someone based on surface level traits about them, but when I stop and think about what I did, it is not very funny anymore,” Sophomore Gowri Paliwal said.

Many social media stereotypes have evolved to become widely known labels today, an instance of this being the ‘Karen’ archetype. The term was initially coined for middle aged women who act entitled and pretentious, originating from a video of a woman claiming that she would “like to speak to the manager.” The nickname has been wholly popular for nearly a decade but comes with adverse outcomes: people, especially women, may feel less inclined to speak up or express dissatisfaction to avoid being perceived as a ‘Karen.’ Even women looking to respectfully express their opinions may hold themselves back due to the term being excessively used beyond its original meaning and context.

Similarly, another stereotype gaining popularity is the ‘performative male,’ referring to a man whose tastes, hobbies and self expression are seemingly tailored to appear progressive, aesthetically appealing and attractive to women. Matcha lattes, feminist literature, thrifted clothing and wired headphones are typically associated with the stereotype, becoming a running joke throughout Gen Z content and humor. However, the trend also mocks men whose genuine interests consist of the stereotype’s markers, causing them to be conscious about whether or not they are coming off as ‘authentic,’ further pushing traditional gender roles as the ‘norm.’

"Social media stereotypes can be harmful in real life. Many characteristics that people use to define 'performative males' are common traits, and assuming that people are doing those things for ulterior motives feels a little unfair to those that truly do enjoy things like matcha or reading," Junior Hrishita Diwan said.

As these titles gain popularity, they can be stripped of their nuances and context, suppressing the complexity of individuals as they are carelessly thrown onto groups, indirectly creating boundaries on how people should act and speak, causing a form of social policing. Though they may initially be used as a lighthearted insult or joke, stereotypes can have a serious effect by placing people into categories with strict expectations, while people are inherently complex. They also further promote polarization by dehumanizing people, reducing them to mere labels and sets of expectations.

When certain stereotypes become mainstream and judgement is passed too quickly, the worst can easily be assumed. It is easy to lessen someone to a one dimensional label for the sake of humor, but that comes at the risk of limiting self expression and fostering insecurity. Instead, social media should be a place where humor does not stem from the mockery of others and individuality is celebrated regardless of what loose archetype someone falls into.

About the Contributors

Srihita Madiraju

Staff Writer

Srihita Madiraju is a senior at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. When she isn't busy lifeguarding she loves going to the beach with her friends, going on long walks, and reading.