TikTok is widely recognised for its role as an entertainment platform, captivating millions with its short, engaging videos and viral trends. As someone who spends way too much time on the app, I’ve also observed its transformation into something much more powerful; beyond entertainment, TikTok has become a space that amplifies voices for advocacy, bringing important conversations to the surface.
One trend that has caught my attention recently on my For You Page is the ‘Run Like a Girl’ movement. For those who may not be familiar, it all started with a 2015 Always commercial posted on YouTube. In the video, several people were individually asked, ‘What does it mean to run like a girl?’ The responses were predictable, with many demonstrating exaggerated, clumsy running styles, flailing their arms and making comments like, ‘Oh no, my hair!” However, when a few younger women in the group were asked the same question, they responded by showcasing how fast and powerfully they could run. Watching this contrast unfold was both fascinating and eye-opening, revealing how distorted the phrase ‘like a girl’ has become.
This video has recently resurfaced on TikTok, sparking discussions about what it really means to ‘run like a girl’. Many creators on the platform have embraced the opportunity to share montages of strong female characters and real-life female athletes - such as Ilona Maher - who showcase their moments of strength and resilience.
The reaction in the comment sections that I’ve seen has been mostly positive. Maher’s video to this trend has garnered over 1.8 million likes and 7.3 million views, with many viewers thanking her for providing inspiration to younger girls who might feel discouraged in sports. By reframing ‘running like a girl’, this trend has sparked a shift in the conversation, transforming it into a powerful symbol of female empowerment.
It’s clear that TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment - it has also become a powerful tool for education and social discourse. Through its ability to reach such a broad audience, TikTok can be used to challenge long-standing stereotypes, like those associated with what it means to ‘run like a girl,’ and transform them into messages of strength and empowerment.
Of course, as with any online movement, criticism and trolling are inevitable. Unfortunately, no social media platform is immune to negative feedback. However, it’s encouraging to see that, despite these challenges, conversations around rethinking important issues, such as gendered stereotypes, are gaining momentum. While TikTok alone may not be able to drive immediate, real life widespread change, it has demonstrated potential to foster meaningful discussions and reveal how eager our generation is to challenge and reshape cultural norms.
.png)
