What the heck is ‘goblin mode’?

Goblin mode can be described as a full-on rejection of self-betterment.

Some examples of goblin mode include:

• Mindlessly binging reality TV shows while scrolling social media
• Pouring the end of a bag of chips into your mouth
• Wandering into your kitchen at 2am and making weird snacks (e.g., saltines with melted cheese)

In other words, goblin mode is all about embracing your inner slob, and relishing in socially unacceptable behavior.

One reason is its direct opposition to more conventional internet aesthetics — AKA presenting one’s best self online. For example:

• Cottagecore: A stylized Instagram aesthetic that thrived early in the pandemic featuring pastel colors and elements of country life (e.g., baking and embroidery)
• #thatgirl: A popular TikTok aesthetic embraced by influencers who obsess over self improvement (e.g., waking up at 5am to make a green smoothie).

In a way, goblin mode is a form of self-love — which, ironically, is one of the most powerful paths to self-betterment.