This phrase, “You do you”, is one I hear quite frequently, I hear it used ironically and unironically. Does it signify our current culture of general acceptance of whatever someone chooses to do, say, feel, or identify as? Could it be just another millennial colloquialism?
I believe that this phrase comes from the desire to be politically correct and due to the fact that this generation is so focused on the internet, an ever-evolving time-consuming beast. We live online. It is a far more efficient way to do life but it is so superficial most times that it takes weight away from elements of life that are better conducted in real life.
Facebook is a great example of this, debates of politics or gun control with people fighting each other in ways that are unproductive. At the ends of these flame wars, everyone walks away upset, and probably with a worse view of the internet as a whole.
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still” -Dale Carnegie
Perhaps this phrase originates from knowing that changing someone’s mind or having a debate is something that is best avoided on a platform which has a greater, more positive purpose? I would like to call this tact rather than apathy. Knowing when to get involved and project your voice where it will be heard, and knowing when to say “You do you (boo boo)”. It’s enough of a reply to beg for more explanation from the listener or settle their tone at the very least.
In some ways, this can relate to marketing, every week I see ‘The most successful thing you can do is______” and almost every week the suggestion from last week contradicts the new one. Ultimately, I think it does come down to, “you do you”, definitely try out new methods of content creation, but keep doing the things that work for you. Most times the latest publicized suggestion for growth will not help much, what does work is a personalized suggestion from a friend or coworker, not some clickbaity facebook ad.
When it works. You do you.