TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X: almost every teen uses some form of social media. This is both a blessing and a curse, as more and more teenagers today feel pressure to participate and maintain a sense of belonging in this ever-changing climate.
The rapid pace of trends can significantly impact teens, influencing their self-perception and how they view others. Trends encompass various topics like fashion and technology, fostering a sense of community for teens who follow them. However, this pressure to conform can also be a source of anxiety.
Teens are particularly susceptible to the pressures of conforming to the latest trends. Constant changes in the fashion world, for example, create a cycle of endless consumerism and “fast fashion”. Fast Fashion is an approach to the design, creation and marketing of fashion that emphasizes making clothing quickly and cheaply available to consumers. Fast fashion brands like Shein, H&M, Zara and Fashion Nova have been criticized for cheaply constructed clothing as well as dangerous workplace conditions.
The financial burden of keeping up with trends can strain teens and their families. With the rapid development and marketing of items such as Stanley Cups, Nike Air Forces and iPhones, the costs of keeping up with trends can be burdensome and often requires a continuous investment of money. This financial pressure can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, especially for those who may not have the means to keep up with the latest trends.
The desire for online validation can compel teens to mimic trends, even if it sacrifices their individuality. The “clean girl aesthetic” exemplifies this. Once a simple, stylish look is achieved, it is quickly replaced by another completely different trend. This is a constant cycle that does not stop. This constant pressure negatively impacts mental health, creating anxiety and self-doubt among those struggling to meet evolving online beauty standards.
Constantly adapting to new norms makes it challenging for teens to establish a strong sense of identity, as their preferences and interests are influenced by external factors that are constantly changing, leading to a lack of confidence and self-understanding and hindering personal growth. The pressure to conform may cause teens to suppress their genuine interests and passions in favor of what is currently popular.
Freshman Jessica Vimalahithan wishes some of her favorite hobbies were more popular so she could share them with her friends.
“I wish that some of my hobbies were more popular so that I could do them more and show them to my friends,” Vimalahithan said.
This can result in a lack of individuality and hinder the development of a strong, unique identity. Senior Janice Barreto blames social media.
“Social media really is the root of all evil,” Janice said. “So many people do some really stupid things just to look cool on social media and I feel like it does more harm than good sometimes.”
The rise of social media platforms, notably TikTok and Instagram, has magnified the immediacy and impact of new trends. While these platforms offer a chance to see creative expression and social connection, they also accelerate the pace of trends, affecting teens both socially and psychologically.
These apps foster a culture of comparison and perfection. Their algorithms prioritize content aligned with trends, shaping users’ feeds. The pursuit of an Instagram-worthy life can fuel feelings of inadequacy and distort reality. Teens can become fixated on achieving an idealized version of success and beauty, as constantly evolving trends on the platform perpetuate this image.
Moreover, the addictive nature of social media amplifies the impact of trends on teenagers. Constant exposure to curated content creates a fear of missing out and a sense of anxiety when teens perceive others as effortlessly keeping up with trends. The instant gratification provided by “likes” and comments may reinforce the need for teens to conform to what is currently popular, even at the expense of their authenticity. Senior Brayden Anderson feels pressured to tailor his online presence, fearing judgment.
“I feel like I can’t really show who I am or some of the hobbies that I like because I don’t know if some people would think it’s cool or if I might get judged,” Anderson said.
However, there are still positives of social media, such as creating connections with friends and providing a way to keep up with each other’s lives, even if they live in another county, state or country.
“I feel like there are more positives than negatives when it comes to social media,” junior Hailey Morgan said. “I get to see my friends and be more involved in their lives and I get to show my life on social media and what I’m doing. So it’s just another way of being social that I like.”
Social media platforms play a pivotal role in shaping trends and influencing teenagers. While they offer avenues for self-expression, the intense focus on trends can exacerbate challenges teenagers face in navigating their identity and self-worth. The fear of judgment or exclusion based on one’s inability to keep up with trends can also lead to heightened social anxiety. Teens may feel pressure to perform and conform, fearing social isolation for deviating from trends. This fear-driven conformity can hinder genuine connections and friendships built on shared values and interests, potentially impacting future relationships. However, social media can also be a helpful resource for some, providing a sense of community and acceptance online. Ultimately, limiting social media use and prioritizing real-world connections can help prevent teens from getting lost in an unrealistic online world.
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