Have you ever encountered something so frustrating that you can hardly stand it, no matter how minuscule the situation? Like when that one person raises their hand in class just to hear themselves speak, or when a couple who has been dating for two months suddenly gets a professional photoshoot done and posts it all over Facebook and Instagram? If there are instances in life that simply give you the “ick,” you’ll love the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” TikTok trend which is perfect for the moments when you’re trying not to judge but simply can’t help it.
Maybe your ick is when people post singing videos on social media while staring intensely into the camera (IYKYK) or when you witness a guy wearing a gorgeous outfit, but his Apple Watch messes up the whole vibe. Some creators can’t help but judge when they witness fully-grown adults sobbing at Disneyland, and others are 100% over couples posting “happy one year to the love of my life!!” when it’s widely known that they’ve broken up 17 times. If there’s a cringe-worthy situation that inevitably pushes your buttons, the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” trend will give you a place to reveal your pent-up angst in a hilarious, entertaining way.
Where did the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” TikTok trend originate?
In case the trend hasn’t graced your For You Page (FYP) yet, here’s the lowdown: the trend began when TikToker @m_wood61 posted this original video featuring a selfie-style rant recorded in her car. In the video, she says, “I am trying so hard to be better, but to my core, I am a hater.” Based on the clip, it’s evident that she isn’t actually endorsing hate; rather, she’s embracing the relatable feeling that sometimes, you just can’t help but judge a little bit. Just about every successful TikTok trend utilizes a quippy, humorous trending sound, and the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” soundbite is no different.
The trending soundbite from @m_wood61’s video quickly went viral has been used in over 11,000 videos on TikTok. Admittedly, the trend has been cracking me up since it first emerged on my FYP, and it’s clear that fellow creators agree with how comical and relatable it is. All over TikTok, you’ll find funny, selfie-style videos of creators who can’t stand specific people and situations. First, they mouth the dialogue, “I am trying so hard to hard to be better, but to my core, I am a hater” before revealing their ick via text overlay. Rather than promoting actual hate (no mean girlies here!), the goal of the trend is to remain deadpan, sarcastic, and tap into a niche thing you can’t get over — no matter how hard you try to play nice.
In the trend, TikTokers highlight situations and people they can’t stand.
Of the many amusing TikTok trends out there, I’ve been super impressed at how creative TikTokers are getting with the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” trend. While some examples on the app can skew a bit judgmental — like the notable number of people who cringe at the idea of wearing leggings or skinny jeans — most videos are comical and relatable to everyday situations.
For example, have you ever tried so hard to avoid group gossip, but your dramatic, petty side gets the best of you? Maybe you can’t help but cringe when people make grammar mistakes, or when someone posts a “happy birthday” shoutout for their parents who aren’t on social media and will never see it. One TikToker can’t stand photos with the caption, “Just did a thing,” and @lanyaa.m gets the ick about a number of things, including guests who wear jeans at weddings and awkward Instagram poses. As the trending audio suggests, creator @ileana.justine is trying to “be better,” but can’t help but text her work bestie when drama is unfolding at the office.
Whether it’s grimacing every time you see paparazzi shots of Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde or learning that Pete Davidson branded Kim K’s name on his body — which none of us needed to know — the “To My Core, I Am A Hater” TikTok trend is a perfectly petty, fun one to try. All you need to do is save the trending audio here, think of a pet peeve that drives you absolutely nuts, and check out some of the top-trending videos on TikTok for ideas about how to replicate the trend. Remember, “To My Core, I Am A Hater” isn’t about actually hating on anyone — like many popular TikTok trends, this one’s all in good fun.