Americans can't agree on what 'middle class' means anymore, and they're debating it in the comments of TikTok home tours | Fortune
Briefly

Americans can't agree on what 'middle class' means anymore, and they're debating it in the comments of TikTok home tours | Fortune
"The comment sections of TikTok's " middle class house tours " feature thousands of Americans arguing about what qualifies as middle class in 2025. Viral videos of average homes are sparking comment threads filled with passionate arguments, as users weigh in on everything from income definitions and house size to family struggles and lifestyle choices. Users boldly label themselves as, alternately, "lower middle class," "middle middle class," or "upper middle class"-but the comments sections reveal fierce debates about who’s really where on the economic ladder."
"Some viewers feel showcased homes look more affluent than their own reality, prompting debate over whether the poster is truly middle class or, as one commenter put it, "upper class hiding behind modest decor." Posts that offer relatable glimpses of chipped baseboards, mismatched furniture, and paper window shades are championed by those who feel social media is otherwise awash in unattainable luxury. Others point out that the middle class can't be defined solely by appearances, given regional cost differences and inflation."
TikTok 'middle class house tours' provoke thousands of comment disputes about what qualifies as middle class in 2025. Videos of average homes trigger arguments over income, house size, family struggles, and lifestyle choices. Commenters self-identify as lower, middle, or upper middle class while debating real economic standing. Some viewers say showcased homes appear more affluent, accusing posters of being 'upper class hiding behind modest decor.' Other viewers celebrate visible signs of modest living. Debates emphasize regional cost differences, inflation, wage stagnation, and mismatched income thresholds like Pew's definitions versus lived experience. Public uncertainty about class gradations increases as social media shapes perceptions of normalcy.
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