Boston College is not immune to performative culture.

From our conversations with others to how we present ourselves, behavior that prioritizes image over authenticity is ingrained in our day-to-day lives.

Noticing these behaviors is the first step to addressing them. Here are four performative patterns to keep an eye out for.

Social Media as Performance

From a perfectly curated Instagram feed to sneakily-liked posts with hidden meanings, performativity dictates people’s digital footprints. 

Beyond the screen, social media shapes behavior in everyday life. Phrases like “it’s giving” or anything ending in “–core” turn the simplest observations into dramatic commentary. According to social media speak, you’re not tired—you’re in your “burnout-core era.”

At this point, it’s less about what you’re saying and more about proving you’re fluent in the language of the internet.

Fitted Up for the Gram

Getting dressed has quietly become a branding exercise. Outfits are no longer just outfits—they’re content. Fashion at BC often feels less like self-expression and more like a soft launch into influencer culture.

Even the most effortless looks tend to require a level of effort that suggests otherwise: sweat sets are coordinated, and messy buns are strategically disheveled.

Watching TV for … Social Survival?

Entertainment has become less about what you like and more about what you can reference. Have you actually watched that trending show? Not necessarily. But can you talk about it convincingly enough to survive a group conversation? Absolutely.

You don’t need to finish a series. You just need to know enough to say, “Wait, Carolyn Bessette was such a party girl in that episode,” and hope no one asks follow-up questions. 

Cultural awareness has officially replaced personal preference.

Suddenly Everyone’s a Sports Fan

When a BC sports team starts winning, school spirit skyrockets overnight.

Students who couldn’t name a single player two weeks ago are now posting highlights, debating plays, and showing up in full maroon and gold regalia. BC pride is a good thing, but oftentimes, bandwagon fans are only fans because everyone else is, too.

Keeping an eye out for these performative behaviors is essential if you want to reorganize your priorities. Your image isn’t everything, no matter how BC culture sometimes seems to argue otherwise. 

Be mindful of your behavioral patterns, and learn to be that much more authentically you.