Decision-Making: Boymath vs. Girlmath

Introduction

In the age of TikTok and viral internet trends, Boymath vs. Girlmath has become a humorous yet insightful way to explore how Gen Z rationalizes decision-making—especially when it comes to money, time, and logic. While it started as a meme, the contrast between "Boymath" and "Girlmath" reflects real behavioral patterns in how different mindsets approach choices. So, let’s break it down.

---

What is "Boymath"?

1. The Logic Behind Boymath

• Big risks, big rewards mentality – Prioritizing long-term gains over short-term expenses.
• Over-optimism in investments – Thinking $10 in crypto today will become $10,000 next year (btw, avoid meme coins at all costs, I say this from personal experience).
• Ignoring depreciation – Believing that buying a car at full price is a "good investment."

2. Classic Boymath Examples

• Buying a $500 gaming setup but refusing to pay for a $10 Spotify subscription.
• Thinking that saving $20 on a flight with a 6-hour layover was worth it.
• Buying sneakers for "resale value" but never selling them.

---

What is "Girlmath"?

1. The Logic Behind Girlmath

• Justifying purchases through creative reasoning – "If I return something, I actually made money."
• Breaking costs into justifiable chunks – "If I wear these $200 shoes 100 times, they only cost $2 per wear."
• Cash doesn’t count – "If I pay in cash, it’s basically free money since it’s not in my bank account."

2. Classic Girlmath Examples

• Spending $50 to get free shipping instead of paying a $5 shipping fee.
• Booking a trip months in advance and considering it "already paid for" when the time comes.
• Buying a coffee every day because "small purchases don’t really count."

---

The Reality Behind the Stereotypes

While Boymath and Girlmath are fun internet trends, they also highlight how people justify financial and life decisions. In reality:

• Boymath often reflects risk-taking and investment-driven thinking.
• Girlmath leans into convenience-based logic and cost-per-use justification.
• Both can be useful mindsets when balanced, but they can also lead to financial mistakes.

---

Finding the Balance: Smart Decision-Making for Gen Z

1. Recognizing Cognitive Biases

• Understanding when you’re justifying a bad decision under the guise of "math."
• Example: Not every expensive purchase is an investment, and not every discount is a deal.

2. Applying Rational Thinking

• Use real budgeting apps like YNAB or Mint instead of mental gymnastics.
• Ask: "Would I make this purchase if it were in cash?"

3. Healthy Money Habits

• Find a middle ground between taking financial risks and making practical purchases.
• If you’re going to justify a purchase, at least make sure it genuinely adds value.

---

Conclusion

Boymath and Girlmath may be internet jokes, but they shed light on how we approach decision-making. Whether it’s spending, saving, or justifying purchases, recognizing these thought patterns can help Gen Z make smarter financial and life choices. So next time you catch yourself using Boymath or Girlmath, ask yourself—does the math really add up?