In the world of social media, fashion trends move faster than a roller coaster plummeting down. The phenomenon of “microtrends”—short-lived trends that gain popularity quickly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram—has emerged as a significant cultural force. While trends have been around since the early 14th century to showcase status, their lifespan has been drastically shortened due to social media. The fleeting nature of these trends seem harmless, but they have a profound impact on the environment, our perception of others, and adolescent development.   

Microtrends are the driving force behind overconsumption, compelling individuals to indulge in an abundance of useless goods. This creates a death spiral of buying whatever is trending at the moment, prioritizing quantity over quality just to partake in the latest Tik Tok trend. Whether it be a lifestyle, gadget, or fashion item—when something is deemed “untrendy,” it’s often discarded immediately. What’s commonly not taken under consideration is that this waste doesn’t simply vanish; it ends up in landfills contributing to the destruction of ecosystems.  As noted by the The Butler Collegian, “[f]requently changing trends and overconsumption can cause detrimental impacts on the ecosystem, such as overfilling landfills and pollution, as well as being a host for other environmental crises.” 

The rise of fast fashion, the key to many microtrends, has created a social hierarchy based on clothing choices. Fashion, once a form of self expression, is now used to determine social status and overall likeability. Just as a dog obeys a command to sit, influencers dictate what others should wear. Their followers’ mindless obedience often strips away individuality. People’s desire to fit in with current trends lead them to ignore their personal preferences in favor or following the crowd. According to Exploratorium,  “the desire to fit in is so strong that people sometimes conform to a group consensus even when it goes against their own judgment — at least in public.”

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to this fleeting cycle. The youth now faces the added pressure of keeping up with adult trends, adopting habits far beyond their needs. The “Sephora ten-year-old” epidemic, where young children purchase designer skincare and makeup products unsuitable for their delicate skin, exemplifies this issue. They see influencers advertising these products and feel compelled to have them as well. John Hopkins Medicine warns that “[s]ocial media has potential to harm the mental health of children and adolescents” and “frequent social media use could be associated with changes in parts of the brain related to emotions and learning” as well as “impulse control, social behavior, emotional regulation and sensitivity to social punishments and rewards.” 

While following the latest trends and fashions can be fun, it’s important to consider the potential ramifications. Be conscious with our purchases, and question our motivations:- Are we dressing for ourselves or for the public eye?