Written by Shalini Manchi
Edited by Anika Varma and Raghvi Sethi
In today’s time and age, media consumption has shifted dramatically towards quick and short 30-second videos. These short videos go by various names across different platforms. YouTube refers to them as ‘Shorts’, Instagram labels them ‘Reels’, and TikTok simply calls them ‘TikTok's.’ However, even with the brevity of these clips, trends come and fade away with remarkable speed. But this constant ever-changing landscape of trends is not a phenomenon limited to this generation.
Long before the advent of social media platforms, trends have always woven themselves into the fabric of society, progressing and adapting along with time.
An important part of anything becoming a trend is how it resonates with contemporary standards and captures the attention of a diverse audience, regardless of their individual interests. This holds true in today’s media landscape. A trend doesn’t necessarily match someone’s core personality but instead acts as an enhancement to their existing persona. This is one of the key factors to why trends proliferate. In the realm of beauty trends, they complement what is naturally present. However, there are two opposing sides to the experience of following a trend—while some may find it effortless and enjoyable, others could feel burdened or excluded.
This dual nature of trends is far from a modern innovation. Historically, it is evident that many of the trends set by the elite have influenced the masses, regardless of socioeconomic status. In our contemporary society, although we are not bound to the same rigid hierarchies, trends still follow a similar trajectory. A majority of today’s popular trends can be traced back to the viral moments of an influencer’s video or a post from a person in a position of authority. Hence, even though society is involved, we continue to engage in practices that have deep historical roots without realizing it.
Trends are short-lived. What might be relevant today can be considered ancient history within a month. Even though trends are short-lived, their impact on a person is long-lasting. Due to this fast-paced nature, it is hard to distinguish justifiable trends that positively impact society from those that don’t. Keeping this in mind, one should question if a trend is worthy of submitting to by considering its foreseeable consequences.
One thing to remember is that anything seen on social media should not be taken at face value. Many people on platforms like Instagram edit their faces and bodies to fit the standards they are imposing on themselves. Trying to fit in with the times is an idea that cannot be altered in a single day or week. It is hard to let go and to stop caring about fitting in. The first and only step is to acknowledge the challenge and to rise to the occasion. Rise above these flimsy ideas and focus on finding yourself and creating your style instead of trying to find yourself in other people’s.
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