Social media platforms have given users unprecedented access to one another, creating a digital world where trends spread in an instant. It is a place where users carefully curate what they want to share. For teenagers, these trends tend to feel less like inspiration and more like expectation.
According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 95% of 13-17 report using social media platforms, with over a third of them saying that they use it “almost constantly”. Other studies have shown that the most commonly used social media apps by teens are Youtube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Through these apps, viral trends are created, and teens are increasingly more drawn towards them.
Recently, a favored trend was the “clean girl” aesthetic, which consists of a minimum makeup, sleek hairstyles and wearing neutral tones. However, this trend creates some not-so-clean effects. It pushes unrealistic beauty standards like the need for flawless skin. “I feel like trends can set unrealistic beauty standards but at the same time they can make people feel more confident because if you follow along with the trends then you feel confident that society will accept you,” said senior Josephina Gaura.
From prom dresses and Halloween costumes, to hair, makeup and outfits, social media influencers have viewers covered with the best options for each occasion. By following their advice, each social media user will be dressed and styled like thousands of other teenagers.
Trends create a culture of conformity. If one doesn’t stay up in touch with today’s trends, they’re easily casted out. “I believe people have changed their fashion and makeup routine, especially recently with trends like the clean girl style. Sometimes it feels like if you don’t fit into these types of categories you’re considered weird, so in order to fit in you have to follow trends,” Gaura continued.
Today, trends flush out faster than ever because they have become easier to spread and access. Their rapid rotation and consumers’ eagerness to stay up to date promotes irresponsible consumption, alienating those who do not want to participate.
While social media influences trends, it doesn’t necessarily limit creativity. “Students are inspired by influencers, celebrities, and peers. Some students closely follow TikTok and Instagram trends, others mix and match trends to create their own looks,” said exploring fashion teacher Erin Hofer. “Fashion has always been influenced by society, culture, and current events. I think there will always be those who create fashion trends, those who use current trends to find their own style and those who only follow the current fashion trends.”
Social media should be a space for creativity and self-expression, not a mold with the expectation to fit into it. Trends can be fun as they’re a way to connect and relate to others and help boost confidence levels. However, they should augment individuality rather than define beauty. Instead of blindly following trends, teenagers should feel inspired to make it their own.
