Let's Talk About: Age Stereotypes In Blogging


Since the blogging world has considerably expanded in the past couple of years, a number of stereotypes have popped up with it. Although not desirable, it only seems in natural line with the way humans think and process information; the blogosphere becomes more prominent in people's lives so stereotypes are designed in order to help people categorise this new field. Unfortunately, being stuck in these stereotype boxes can cause many issues and frustrations, and once the category has been created, it is quite difficult to break that mould which has been set by others. Since London Beauty Queen created the successful 30 Plus Blog Collective, the issue of age stereotypes has become an issue which I have been thinking a lot about. Why do they exist? What can we do about them? How are these stereotypes validated?






It drives me mad that people just assume that anyone over forty will only talk about wrinkle cream and anyone in their teens or early twenties will only discuss macarons, pastel hair dye and their pristine, all-white decorated homes. While this is not true for the majority of us bloggers, whatever our age, some may fall into the trap of thinking this is what you have to talk about in order for people to enjoy your blog. Because it has become the stereotype, those who are new to the game may actually believe this is what constitutes a 'successful blog' (whatever that is anyway).



For anyone in their twenties, the Zoella-stereotype is a greatly frustrating one. I have nothing against this stereotype in itself; if you like your bedroom to be drowned in a tangle of fairy lights, good for you. If you want to blog/vlog about how to make cupcakes (which I have in the past), do it. If you want to Instagram about how you go for delicate afternoon teas every other day, go for it. All I'm saying is this stereotype is just that- a stereotype.



Most of us don't live in perfect homes and have an abundance of cash to spend in Zara (although, I can dream...). Most of us don't want to have multi-coloured, stripey hair (despite how cool it looks on that Instagram whatsherface). Most of us just blog about the huge variety of things we love. And you know what? That is what I adore about blogging. The range of topics covered, the new and interesting hobbies or passions that you can discover from reading a blog, the different opinions. Because, what's the point of blogging if you can't express yourself and your own ideas? The stereotype insinuates that we're all the same, and this is far from the truth. We each have our own special and unique take on the world to contribute.



I'm 21 years old. I don't have dyed silver hair. I have only eaten 2 macarons in my life. I am not interested in reading blogs or watching vlogs about glitter and fluff and vacancy between the ears. I want to read gripping, down-to-earth, real-life stuff that's going to inspire me in my day-to-day life. And I'm pretty sure that anyone over the age of 30 doesn't want to constantly read about anti-ageing products. We're real humans with diverse interests that 99% of the time don't relate to our ages in the slightest. So can we stop the age-specific stereotypes now, pretty please?



What do you think about age in blogging? Have you noticed these stereotypes flying around? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 



Pretty and Polished


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11 comments

  1. Haha this is spot on I love it!! I actually blog about wrinkle treatments and I swear I am too old for my time ;) xx


    BlondeOfCarbs

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    1. Haha! Better to start on the ol' wrinkles early! xxx

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  2. I loved this post Sophie, it really made me think - you have such an incredibly creative way with words which entices me to continue reading every single post that you write! The topic of age has been one that I've been thinking about a lot lately as well. Being only 16 myself, I feel that their is definitely a box that I'm being forced into by the blogging society however I think it's really important that together we smash through these stereotypes in order to continue creating interesting and innovative posts for our readers to enjoy and I'm glad that somebody has finally delved into this controversial topic! :) x

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    1. Thank you so much Eloise! That's such a lovely thing to say. I'm totally with you; stereotypes are there to be broken! If we all followed them, our little blogging world would be terribly boring xx

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  3. Being a member of the 30 Plus Blog Collective and the Brighton and Hove representative for it, I had to share my opinion!

    The collective was not set up by Hayley to exclude other bloggers, but to create a safe place for bloggers over 30 who may not feel welcome in the blogging community (local or national) or accepted at events or by brands just because of their age. It could be that brands are scared of 'older' (ha!) women, it could be that younger bloggers make their product look better, or it could be that they do not have children, or don't want to be associated with just being a parent. Nothing against parent bloggers, but there are a lot of bloggers who are parents, but who choose to not be a parent blogger, for a great number of reasons.

    It was set up to be a positive step and to allow people of a certain age to connect with a community of others who they felt more akin to. It doesn't mean that everyone under 30 acts the same way, it doesn't mean that everyone over 30 acts the same way, and it's a move towards an effort to make brands aware that we are all different, and that our power combined can help change things for everyone.

    At the 30 plus bloggers meal there were 40 of us. Two of which were anti-ageing specialists. Not one of the bloggers I encountered needed that kind of stuff, but these people were paying guests and interested to hear what we had to say. At the same time, beauty brands are telling younger and younger people that they should start anti ageing treatment earlier and earlier. Contemptuous, yes?! For sure.

    I wish I knew you felt this way at the event on Thursday as I would have been able to explain it better in person. But the movement is not about excluding, but promoting a more inclusive environment where people feel safe, similar to how Girl Guiding UK strives to do so for girls and women with their female-only groups.

    Hope that makes sense!

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    1. I think you've totally got the wrong end of the stick with this post. It is not having a go at the 30+ collective in the slightest- I'm actually agreeing with everything the collective stands for. What I'm saying is that blogging in general has these stereotypes and I don't agree with those stereotypes. I know what the 30+ blogs is about- Hayley is my cousin so I know the ins and outs of this project and support her 100%. Thanks for your comment though.

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    2. I've always thought you and Hayley look alike. This explains it :)

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  4. I completely agree with what you've said! The sad thing is there are some people that think that they need to aspire to be this 'stereotype'.

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    1. Definitely! It's sad to think blogging might be heading that way x

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  5. This is so well said - I found myself nodding away to everything you said! A really good read :)

    Laura @ Lolaandbehold

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