The phrase "decentering men" gained significant traction in 2025, inspiring a wave of social media content and discussions around female empowerment and singlehood. Coined in 2019 by author Charlie Taylor in her book "Decentering Men: How to Decenter Men," the term encourages women to prioritize their own lives and well-being over seeking romantic relationships with men.

The trend manifested primarily on platforms like TikTok, where women shared videos offering advice on thriving outside of traditional romantic partnerships and deprioritizing the search for a mate. This online movement reflects a broader cultural shift, with young women increasingly opting out of dating and embracing singlehood.

Cultural commentator Kyndall Cunningham noted the prevalence of the phrase in 2025, observing its impact on discussions around gender, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Cunningham, who has written extensively on these topics for publications like Vulture and W Magazine, suggests that the trend is fueled by a desire to subvert traditional expectations placed on women.

The rise of "decentering men" also coincides with increased visibility of women living fulfilling single lives. Figures like actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who documents her experiences in the Roku series "Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross," have played a role in challenging negative stereotypes associated with single women.

While the long-term impact of this trend remains to be seen, its emergence in 2025 signals a potential shift in societal attitudes towards relationships and the roles of women. The movement encourages women to focus on personal growth, career aspirations, and other sources of fulfillment, independent of romantic relationships.