In this engaging chat, Laina Morris, famously known as the Overly Attached Girlfriend, reflects on her unexpected rise to fame from a viral video in 2012. She shares her experience filming a Delta Airlines safety video and opens up about the struggles of maintaining mental health while navigating the pressures of online fame. Laina discusses the importance of self-worth and safe self-expression in the chaotic world of social media, all while providing a humorous take on modern dating and the meme culture that branded her iconic.
Laina Morris discusses her unexpected rise to fame from a viral video, highlighting the swift transition from college student to content creator.
The podcast explores the mental health challenges Laina faced due to pressures from audience expectations and the content creation grind.
Laina emphasizes the significance of self-care and personal reflection during her five-year hiatus, reaffirming the importance of prioritizing mental well-being.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Overly Attached Girlfriend Meme
Laina Morris gained internet fame as the overly attached girlfriend after her comedic video parodying Justin Bieber's song 'Boyfriend' went viral. The video showcased her unique style, including a memorable creepy stare, which caught the attention of social media users, leading to the creation of a meme that captured the public's imagination. This viral moment significantly changed her life, transitioning her from a college student to a full-time content creator. Laina's experience highlights the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the instantaneous shift it can cause in an individual's identity and career direction.
Navigating YouTube's Demands and Burnout
As Laina's popularity grew, she faced the pressures of content creation on YouTube, where the algorithm favored frequent posting. The intense expectation to continuously produce content led to feelings of burnout and depression, exacerbated by the lack of a clear direction for her career. Despite enjoying her early success, she later admitted that her mental health suffered due to the relentless hustle culture prevalent among creators at the time. This period of struggle reflects a broader issue faced by many influencers as they grapple with the balance of creativity, audience expectations, and personal well-being.
Taking a Step Back for Mental Health
In 2019, Laina openly addressed her mental health struggles and decided to take a significant break from YouTube. This step back allowed her to focus on self-care and recovery, acknowledging the severe toll that the online pressures and her content grind had on her mental state. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal health over public personas, coming to terms with the complexities of her newfound fame. The overwhelmingly positive response from her audience upon her hiatus reinforced the notion that it’s okay to take a pause when necessary.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
After leaving YouTube, Laina devoted her time to serious self-reflection and exploring her identity beyond being an online persona. This journey was marked by personal changes, including a significant breakup and moving to a new city, which contributed to her growth and understanding of her mental health needs. Through therapy, Laina learned to navigate her emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms while considering her future in content creation. This self-discovery process highlights the importance of personal happiness and the value of stepping away from external pressures to find one's true self.
Considering a Return to Content Creation
After five years away from regular posting, Laina began contemplating a return to YouTube, equipped with a renewed sense of control and clarity. Reflecting on her past experiences, she expressed a desire to create content that resonates with her passions while maintaining a healthy balance in her life. Although the idea of returning to the platform is exciting, she remains cautious, aware of the complexities that come with internet fame. Laina's potential comeback illustrates the ongoing evolution of creators as they adapt to their experiences and seek more sustainable paths in their careers.
In part two of our Overly Attached Girlfriend series, we talked to the OAG herself -- Laina Morris. She revisits the viral moment she didn't see coming in 2012, the weirdness of being in a Delta Airlines safety video, and navigating what a career online and at the mercy of the algorithm looks like while struggling with depression.
Laina's been away from regular posting for the last five years as she navigated it all, and she and Jamie get into how to maintain your self-worth and share yourself safely. Slap on your scary eyes, baby, we're going in.
