What is the TikTok trend 'day dumping' and why is it good for your mood?
Similar to 'photo dumps' on Instagram, where users share a series of recent images in one post, the 'day dumping' trend is TikTok's video version – with images often less curated and more accurately depicting everyday life.
While it might seem like just another fashionable thing to do on social media, it offers a breath of fresh air, with far more benefits than most other trends currently circulating online.
So, what exactly is day dumping and why is it thought to help boost our mood among other things?
TikTok's 'day dumping' trend – benefits revealed
What is 'day dumping'? TikTok users post – or dump – a compilation video of clips from their day, which could include their breakfast, commute to work, and evening shop. Think a vlog but in 30 seconds to three minutes (or even 10, now the platform allows for longer posts).
Why do people post the boring bits of their day? Rather than curating the perfect life online, showing only the best bits, the trend more accurately reflects our day-to-day lives – mundane and very much not perfect. And yes that can include things like a trip to pick up toothpaste and wet wipes.
Voiceovers add relatability. While some use music or the natural sounds of their vids – ASMR anyone? – voiceovers bring dumps to life. Supply teacher @hanahohn, for example, talks both about feeling 'exhausted, overwhelmed and uninspired' and 'rekindling her passion' in one video.
They're two-dimensional. While people often only share the positives or negatives, day dumping brings the two together. One user showed how one day can consist of putting away washing, getting your hair done, going to the theatre, getting a McDonald's and grieving a parent in one.
Day dumps can help boost mood. Sure, watching the most mundane parts of someone's life might not sound that interesting, but it helps promote an appreciation of the smaller things in life and portrays something more achievable. This sets us up to feel good, not bad.
Viewing 'realistic' content helps confidence. "This can normalise our humanity," says clinical psychologist and host of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Dr Marianne Trent. "Every day is not a wild ride and there's comfort in our routines and similarities we have as individuals."
Does it have a feel-good factor for creators too? "Making content about micro-daily activities can help you feel seen and validated for things that don’t often get airtime," adds Trent. "It can boost mindfulness and reflection because you stop and think about daily actions instead of cruising on autopilot."
We now value leisure over luxury. Amid the current climate, there's far more of an appetite for simple pleasures than costly glamour – and the trend reflects this. We can still be inspired on social media, but it doesn't have to be through being made to feel inadequate.
Question why you are 'dumping'. "As ever, if it feels like people 'liking' the content is the main goal, when there is radio silence it can have a knock to the self-esteem," says Trent. "Instead, think about content creation as a habit that helps you process your own thoughts and feelings, regardless of how it is received."
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