Any individual that owns any sort of social media, has heard about or is familiar with the term VSCO girl. VSCO is an app dedicated to picture editing and creativity. Like Instagram, users can follow other users and “like” their posts; in VSCO terms, “favorite posts.”

When someone posts a picture that appeals to, or inspires another individual, that person can “republish” that post and it will automatically appear in a tab found in each account. This is  labeled a “collection.” The types of posts typically republished vary.

“Girls on VSCO republish their type of moods and unrealistic relationships,” junior and VSCO user Garrett Nerenberg said.

The app is an effective avenue for self-expression and creativity, but has now turned into a title for someone based off of their appearance.

“A big, baggy t-shirt or sweatshirt, a scrunchie, leggings or athletic shorts. Make sure you can’t see the shorts. And a hydro flask,”  Jami Chancellor said when asked to describe her perspective of a VSCO girl.

The app was made with no intention of becoming a stereotype. Originating in TikTok, another popular app, VSCO has become a label for teenage girls. Credulous TikTok users instantly believe one person’s opinion that blew up is reliable, which is why the idea has become such a popular phenomenon.

Typically, VSCO girls are described as teenage girls who adorn their arms in scrunchies and carry around brand name water bottles called “Hydro Flasks.” The description has little correlation with the main purpose of the app. The purpose of the app is for people, not just teens, to express themselves and share inspiration with other VSCO users. An individual that enjoys photography and self-expression should not be automatically labeled a “VSCO girl.”

Everyone has different intentions with the app and the common assumption that every individual who owns VSCO is overly upbeat and annoying is completely senseless. Based off popular opinion, the term is not complimentary.

VSCO girls are perceived very negatively and can commonly be described as “obnoxious.” They are viewed to have excessive energy and their positivity can be overwhelming. Nothing on the app can be used as evidence for this.

The idea is the result of a fictional character inaugurated by a random individual that, somehow, successfully gained popularity. “VSCO girl” could’ve easily been called an “Instagram girl” or “Youtube girl.” The description of the individual has absolutely no association with the utilization of the app, in fact, most VSCO users post deep, depressing posts that portray their feelings.