Like many other University of Florida students, I was submerged in an introductory college course called “What is the Good Life?” that introduced me and my peers to a variety of social theories and psychological concepts. I vividly remember sitting on a park bench during the summer of 2022 and reading an assigned piece on Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of flow. At that time, I associated the term with fulfilling, focused activities such as crafting or reading — so imagine my surprise when I got on TikTok this week and saw it being applied to eating Chipotle.
What’s the trend?
Gen Z has a reputation for being, in its own words, unserious. And this trend is no exception. Users such as @celkakovar on TikTok are seemingly attributing their dining experience in various food chains to achieving the condition that Csikszentmihalyi detailed in his work. But while ordering a carne asada quesadilla or a peppermint latte might not be exactly what the scholar had in mind, it also doesn’t necessarily contradict the term.
In a write-up about Csikszentmihalyi’s life, the University of Chicago stated that the concept “[refers] to a state of being in which people become so immersed in the joy of their work or activity ‘that nothing else seems to matter.’” So, while maybe not the most traditional or deep interpretation, these creators could be feeling a sense of flow when consuming their favorite foods. Chipotle seems to agree, commenting “this is what i mean by bliss” on @celkakovar’s video.
Who’s getting involved?
Chipotle and its burrito bowls aren’t the only muses of the trend. In a video that has skyrocketed to 9.5 million views in a week, user @haybaybay_spam experienced a similar sentiment with Wingstop’s cuisine, with the brand cheering her on in the comment section. Other users replied to the video, some agreeing with her conclusions while others discussing tweaks they would make to her order to create their personal flow.
Instead of showing their meal, some users are simply recording the process of obtaining it. For instance, Taco Bell observed earned media coverage when a creator showcased herself using their in-store digital technology to select her fare. Alongside a thousand other TikTok users, the brand voiced its sentiment in the comment section.
To be clear, users don’t have to limit their recreation of the trend to nationwide chains. User @maddhatterr2 showed that a homemade cup of joe had the same effect, meaning that home baristas and home chefs can use their own ingredients to achieve the state of flow. Actually, these individuals could potentially enter the state of flow quicker than their counterparts who choose to dine out, as the familiar preparation could cause the cheerful mindlessness needed to experience Csikszentmihalyi’s concept.
How can I achieve flow?
As the above creators demonstrated, entering flow is seemingly different for everyone. However, a safe place to start is prioritizing activities that already make your time fly, whether it be in or out of the kitchen. Haven’t found your niche yet? Experiment with recipes on Pinterest, try an embroidery kit, or even dust off the ukulele you made your parents buy you in eighth grade. If all else fails, the food joints you currently frequent will likely welcome being part of your flow.