In today’s world, social trends come and go so quickly. What once took months or even getting on a show to get attention in the past can now rise to fame overnight, only to fade just as quickly. Viral trends or challenges will be the talk of the week one moment, and disappear the next, replaced by the latest craze. As trends pass as quickly as they arrive, one can wonder if they even leave a lasting mark.
In social media nowadays, trends move fast, and many believe they fade quickly because people lack individuality and creativity. With so much content that feels repetitive and derivative, trends lose their spark as quickly as they catch on. This constant cycle of imitation leads to trends that are more about following the crowd than expressing something unique, causing them to die out before they have a chance to evolve into something meaningful or lasting. Senior, Reese Talton feels similar and by observing that in a world where everyone mimics one another, nothing truly stands out.
“I believe that social media trends are fast-paced because everybody nowadays doesn’t have their own creativity, their own mind. Nobody’s different. Nobody wants to have a change or make a change in society. And I think that’s why trends come and go. Because people can’t make up who they are and who they want to be,” said Talton.
Unlike in the past, when originality could capture public attention and create a genuine sense of excitement, the saturation of similar content has diluted the impact of going viral. With countless creators all posting similar things on social media, trends quickly lose their speciality leading to their rapid decline as they become repetitive and predictable. Sophomore, Cinora Jones shares this feeling, asserting that this lack of diversity in content is a key reason why trends die out faster today.
“The reason I feel like they die overnight is because everyone is doing it and copying everyone it’s not like years ago you would go viral for one thing that’s original yours. Going viral isn’t really special anymore so when trends come out it isn’t a wow moment,” said Jones.
Social media as a whole can have a heavy impact on people’s lives and how people act. Some trends can yield positive effects, while others can lead to negative effects. Senior, Samuel Abojo feels similarly, noting that while certain trends have certain effects on people.
“Social media can have an impact on life. Some trends are positive, but I also feel like some trends are negative too. Like some trends can have a positive impact that could help people, want to do more or help their community also negatively. Trends that are negative just included a lot just drama and mess that isn’t needed or enjoyable,” said Abojo.
Whether you are on TikTok or even Instagram, there are many trends that people enjoy seeing on their feed. Theater Teacher Holly Henao is following a trend inn her feed that she enjoys very much.
“There’s many trends that I enjoy on social media. Right now, I’m super obsessed with the one where people are putting, like, they’re carving pumpkins, and they’re putting it on their head, and it goes with that little tune. It’s so cute. I’m doing it with kids soon,” said Henao.
There are many trends on social media that range from dance to fashion, capturing the attention of users worldwide. Many people eagerly follow these trends, eager to connect with others and showcase their creativity. Abojo has participated in numerous trends with his family.
“Me and my sister did a dance trend it was with the song 7pm friday dance. I thought was trending with. I also tried to do the “give me my money” trend while I was on vacation on my mom, but she already knew, because he was watching a video before we could even do,” said Abojo.
As the years go by, trends may come and go faster than they do now due to the rapid pace of social media. Talton believes that they may pass by shortly as new trends emerge.
“Trends will still keep trending, but like I think it will be more like one and done thing.it’ll happen for a brief second and then it’ll you know they go dead,” said Talton.
While Senior Bree-Lynn Riser feels that trends will eventually come back since they are so repetitive.
“Many trends, like people, always bring them up constantly. I don’t think they’re gonna die due to that,” said Riser.
In the end, the rapid rise and fall of social trends reflects the relentless pace of modern technology and our constant need for something new. In today’s world, trends can gain millions of followers overnight and disappear just as quickly.