In the fast-scrolling world of social media, what’s trendy today may be forgotten tomorrow. The latest obsession? Labubu dolls and Stanley tumblers quirky, aesthetic items flaunted by influencers and celebrities alike.
From BLACKPINK’s Lisa to Rihanna, these viral products are the newest status symbols in the age of Instagram and TikTok. But as these trends take over feeds, an important question arises: is individuality getting lost in the rush for relevance?
The cycle of consumption
Social media has made it incredibly easy to discover, adopt and discard trends. A single viral video can spark a global craze overnight. This has given rise to a culture of rapid consumption, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. As per market predictions, the global fast-fashion market is projected to reach $163.21 billion by 2025. While these numbers highlight a booming industry, they also hint at a concerning environmental cost fashion alone accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, according to Business Insider.
Microtrends and manufactured desire
Microtrends like Labubu dolls or Stanley tumblers are more than just aesthetic accessories; they’re symbols of a social-media driven aspiration. The need to ‘belong’ digitally often creates a psychological urge to participate in these trends, even when there’s no real need or personal affinity for them. What starts as harmless fun morphs into a form of collective consumerism, powered more by FOMO (fear of missing out) than genuine interest.
Homogeneity in the age of expression
Ironically, in a time when self-expression is supposed to be at its peak, social media is pushing everyone toward sameness. Everyone’s wearing similar outfits, using the same water bottles, or posing with the same doll. The uniqueness of personal style and taste is being diluted in a season of aesthetic homogeneity. And while trends can be fun and even creative, the constant pressure to keep up often leaves little room for genuine identity.
Choosing meaning over momentum
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There’s a growing awareness around mindful consumption and sustainable fashion. Influencers and brands are slowly shifting focus toward authenticity and individualism. The key lies in balancing participation with purpose knowing when a trend truly aligns with your taste versus when it’s just another fleeting bandwagon.
Trends will come and go, but individuality should never go out of style. In a world obsessed with likes and loops, staying true to yourself might just be the boldest statement you can make.
