Nearly 70% Agree: “Pick-Me Girl” Label is Mean, Not Empowering

The online world can be a breeding ground for negativity. This negativity can sometimes manifest in the form of putting down others to feel better about oneself.

Take the term “pick-me girl,” a recent social media buzzword. It describes a woman who seeks validation primarily from men, often by putting down other women. The label itself has been criticized for perpetuating a culture of competition and insecurity among women.

While some argue it empowers women against internalized misogyny, others see it as a tool to pit women against each other. To understand these perspectives, Real Research conducted a survey to gauge public awareness and opinions surrounding the “pick-me girl” phenomenon.

Key Findings:

• Lots of people (almost 70%) think the “pick-me girl” label is basically bullying and puts women down.
• Some (over 40%) worry the label is just used to start fights between girls online over who guys like more.
• Even though some people admit to using the label, way more people would be bummed to be called a “pick-me girl” themselves.

Is Everyone Catching Up on the Pick-me Girl Trend?

The survey findings revealed a fascinating mix of awareness and discomfort surrounding the “pick-me girl” label. Over half (51.07%) were well aware of the “pick-me girl” label and the anti-pick-me trend. 30.72% were vaguely aware while 18.22% were completely unaware.

However, the label’s negative connotations were clear.  Many (68.25%) agreed or strongly agreed that it can be a “misogynistic trope,” meaning it’s a stereotype that belittles women’s behaviors and interests.

Beyond “Not Like Other Girls”

The survey highlights an intriguing difference in perception. Some people believe that girls who excel in sports, ride bikes, or don’t conform to traditional feminine norms are seen as outside the usual group of women. These individuals feel they belong in another group but feel disoriented when they’re criticized for it.

While over three-quarters of respondents (79.32%, combining “strongly agree” and “agree”) believe some women simply have interests outside the mainstream, many also worry that the “pick-me girl” label is used to pit women against each other in a competition for male approval (41.38% agree).

Calling Out vs. Being Called Out

Further complicating the issue, 35.25% completely agree that women sometimes unknowingly label others as “pick-me girls” to gain social media validation themselves, unwittingly contributing to the very behavior they criticize.

Finally, while over 22% admitted to labeling someone as a “pick-me girl” on social media, one-third (33.45%) were uncomfortable being labeled one themselves.