Endless Thread The Unquenchable Thirst
Nov 22, 2024
Virginia Sole Smith, a journalist and author of "Fat Talk," dives into the viral sensation of the Stanley Cup water bottle and its underlying societal messages. She discusses the surge of 'WaterTok' on TikTok, revealing how hydration trends reflect deeper connections to diet culture. The conversation also touches on the implications of the so-called 'adult sippy cup,' particularly its appeal among women, and critiques the pressures of consumer culture tied to body image and wellness.
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Stanley Cup Craze
- In 2023, Stanley Cup sales exploded, growing 100-fold.
- This surge was largely driven by TikTok, particularly among women and girls, and even caused bullying among kids.
WaterTok and Stanley Cup
- The Stanley Cup's popularity stemmed from WaterTok, a TikTok trend focused on flavored water.
- This trend, primarily among women, fueled demand for large, stylish water bottles like the Stanley Quencher.
Hydration and Influencers
- The focus on hydration among influencers existed before WaterTok, with groups like "The Buy Guide" promoting Stanley products.
- WaterTok amplified this, shifting focus from weight loss to general hydration, despite underlying weight loss motivations.