PANCHARIYA: Social media trends compromise our individuality
Column: Moment of Truth
We live in a world almost unrecognizable to those who lived before the age of technology. Mannerisms and human interactions have all significantly been manipulated to match the coming era of advanced engineering.
It is, as Sharpay Evans suggested, "It's out with the old / And in with the new." Most individuals in the present day are aware of the global emergence of TikTok, short-form videos continuously playing one after another, creating a platform for creators to share their personal experiences.
The occurrence of trends, whether it is a song, fashion or a dance move, contributes to the mindset of doing what is currently trending. But when do we stop giving in to the newest lip tint or contribution to the fast fashion industry?
For the duration of social media's existence, the community of content creators has had a notable effect on their audience. Before TikTok's popularity, YouTubers stole the attention with rap battles, the drama behind brand trips and shopping hauls. The appearance of trends was visible but not as prominent or rapidly growing during such an era.
Society today has managed to cycle through numerous trends, both new and old, to reflect what is trendy. We have managed to come full circle as fashion today reflects that of the early 2000s and even the ’90s — the "clean girl look" and baggy jeans, all of which are stunning but come from the continuous claim to be new.
Through the speedy usage of such trends comes the overconsumption of products that individuals may not need or products that may actually be harmful. Mielle rosemary mint hair oil, for example, for individuals whose hair types are not built to handle the effects of such a substance, can create negative effects.
Though it is meant to stimulate hair growth and strength, this effect is not guaranteed for everyone. Through the trend of using such oil, individuals who once utilized it before popularity hit are unable to purchase them because of the high demand causing such high prices and low supply in stores.
The before and after effects of what society has deemed to be socially acceptable or "in" can not only create economic or societal issues but express a decline in personal growth. Though, I am in no position to point right versus wrong as I myself am a victim of the influence of social media as well.
I have found myself purchasing skin care products that are not suitable for my skin type, but because my "For You Page" recommended it, I felt inclined to buy.
It comes to a point where even the TV and movie industries have tried to keep in touch with the youth and create cinema that caters to current trends, but sadly the industries can not keep up. By the time the newest episode or season is on air, whatever humor, fashion or song that was popular has been deemed so last month or out of style.
When did we, as a society, start to lose individuality and become this group that follows a bunch of creators not for enjoyment but as outlets to perpetuate the construct of technology? It seems that those who acknowledge such a problem in the media today are often overlooked because they are not advertising or posting for the "right" reasons.
Our definitions of right and wrong when it comes to social media have been blurred to the point where it is not a device of information or connection but a dispensary of what to do versus what not to do.
As human beings, we are given choices, but due to the changing trends constantly preying on our downfall, those decisions are taken away from us. It is also our job to unlearn the trends and desensitize ourselves to the rapid fluctuation of what is in versus what is out.
We are setting ourselves up for failure by focusing on the content that is shown to influence us for the wrong reasons. In general, it is not an issue to share your opinions, share your favorite product and how to use it.
It becomes a societal dilemma when we cannot differentiate what is good for us and what we should do because the world is telling us to do it. It is the lack of individualism that we need to push back against in order to focus on ourselves.
Priya Panchariya is a School of Arts and Sciences first-year majoring in philosophy and minoring in criminology. Her column, "Moment of Truth," runs on alternate Tuesdays.
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