Is Utah a social experiment? Viral videos spark debate over state stereotypes

A simple hairstyle the now-infamous "Utah curls" paired with an oversized outfit quickly took over social media.

Over the years, the internet has been fascinated by Utah culture and how it differs from the rest of the country. In recent weeks, users have posted videos of Utah content creators with the caption Utah Is a Social Experiment.

These posts have grown into a trend, with creators making compilation videos of hairstyles, clothing and lifestyle choices. Many users leave critical comments expressing disbelief in what they call "Utah culture."

James Boone, a Virginia native who has lived in Utah for more than five years, shared trends he has noticed despite rarely using social media.

A couple of summers ago, it was buzzed and bleached hair, sometimes with leopard print. Super big pants and spray tans are pretty big, Boone said.

Ella Mear, who has lived in Utah for less than a year, expressed her thoughts on the "social experiment" label.

I mean, a lot of the style and clothes I tend to think are cute or fun, but I think it's kind of lame that everyone is kind of dressing the same way. But that might just be how trends are, that might be how it is no matter what, Mear said.

Many reported they find these trends odd, and find it even more unusual that the media has decided these few online personalities represent the entire state.

Grace Cozzens, originally from Wisconsin, said the trend does not accurately represent everyone who lives in Utah.

I think there's a lot of misrepresentation in the media. But I think that Utah only puts out one image, so we're only gonna be viewed in that one image. It doesn't show the other side of the actual residents who live normal lives, Cozzens said.

Students at Brigham Young University said social media has created a specific image of Utahns, but they believe residents are more than what is portrayed online.

Utah's very unique socially in a lot of ways, just because of those unique demographics that we have. A more positive one I've noticed is that people are just super friendly and happy here. People smile at me when I walk around town, so that's nice, Boone said.

Some fear these trends mocking Utah culture may negatively target young adults and teens who are especially affected by social media commentary.

Elizabeth Naef, a BYU student from Montana, shared how she feels when she sees these videos.

I start to feel bad for all the people in those videos. It's just like a teenage girl who has bad hair, and she's dancing in Maverik, and that's not her fault right now. We all did stupid things as teenagers, but everyone gets to see it and make fun of certain phases they're in, Naef said.

Many said these videos should not change how people live. Although they may not follow the trends, they believe the videos have little real impact and are just another internet complaint.

Honestly, it doesn't matter. Drink soda, curl your hair in a unique way and dance barefoot in a Maverik. At the end of the day, it doesn't hurt anybody, Naef said.

As Utah continues to trend online, locals agree on one thing: The internet may love making Utah the butt of the joke, but real life here is far more varied than a 15-second clip.