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The Evolution of the ‘Sad Girl’ Archetype: From Lana Del Rey to Madeline Argy

Oct 11, 2023

Guest Madeline Argy, influencer known for embodying the 'sad girl' archetype, discusses the evolution of this archetype in influencer culture. Topics include the meaning of 'sad girl,' successful celebrities who embody this archetype, controversial aspects, the history of 'sad girl,' and its resonance with Gen Z. They also explore how influencers adopt the 'sad girl' persona, authenticity in personal branding, mental health content, and the responsibility of influencers. Overall, they analyze the appeal of the 'sad girl' archetype and its impact on society.

59:53

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Episode guests

Madeline Argy

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The 'sad girl' archetype has transitioned from music and art to influencer culture, resonating with Gen Z by providing a more relatable and authentic portrayal of emotions.

The Sad Girl archetype in influencer culture raises questions about relatability, authenticity, and the impact on mental health content, blurring the lines between personal experiences and marketing strategies.

The glamorization of depression and sadness in the sad girl archetype prompts discussions about mental health, authenticity, and the relatability of online personas, as well as the responsibility of influencers to provide resources and guidance for those genuinely struggling with mental health.

Deep dives

The Sad Girl Archetype: Aesthetic and Feeling

The Sad Girl archetype is characterized by an aesthetic and feeling rather than a specific definition. It is influenced by youth, Western culture, and media, including coming-of-age films, melancholic music, and teen angst. Artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Billie Eilish embody the Sad Girl aesthetic. The Sad Girl phenomenon has its roots in the Tumblr era and has now transitioned to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It resonates with Gen Z due to its departure from the aspirational imagery dominating earlier platforms, providing a more relatable and authentic portrayal of emotions.

Introduction

2min

The 'Sad Girl' Archetype in Influencer Culture

15min

Authenticity, Personal Branding, and the Influence of Success

2min

The Impact of the 'Sad Girl' Archetype on Mental Health Content

16min

The Evolution of the Sad Girl Archetype

17min

Exploring the Evolution of Archetypal Content

2min

Exploring the 'Sad Girl' Archetype and Influencer Responsibility

2min

Resonance and Exploration of the 'Sad Girl' Archetype

4min

In this week's episode, we dive into the evolution of the 'sad girl' archetype from music and art to influencer culture. We first cover what 'sad girl' means, which celebrities have become successful from presenting this way, and why it could be considered controversial. We finish by looking at how 'sad girl' has evolved with influencer culture with the likes of creators like Emma Chamberlain and Madeline Argy, and why we think this archetype resonates so much with Gen Z.

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Timestamps:

1:50 What is 'sad girl'?

6:30 How 'sad girl' is manifesting in influencer culture

9:20 TikTok creator Mayi goes viral for 'sad girl' video & user feedback

24:30 Why 'sad girl' can be controversial

37:45 'Sad girl' archetype history