You can’t miss the ‘Hustle’ trend on social media, a booming tag for the younger, millennial audience. This rise of ‘hustle culture’ pushes an almost over-the-top obsession with working hard, and is a near constant reminder to work even harder throughout every day. Hashtags such as #mondaymotivation and #riseandgrind help to make work ethic and ambition a lifestyle, not just a part of your life.
Sure, for the Millennial and Gen Z generations now branded as lazy and entitled, the motivation to work harder to prove ourselves in the world isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Neon signs, mugs, pillows and prints abound that tell you to ‘hustle harder’ or be a ‘girl boss’, putting a positive spin on a harmful message: work till you can’t work anymore. Like any social media trend, however, it’s what you see that makes an impression, and that’s where a positive trend can turn toxic.