Why are we so obsessed with trends?

It’s no secret that we’re living in a world where everything seems to be trending. Open TikTok, and you are bombarded with everything from “Brat Summer” and “Quiet Luxury” to niche fashion trends like Gorpcore and Barbiecore.

With so much happening at once, it’s hard to tell what’s really in right now — because, well, everything is.

While previous generations might have had a single defining style for a decade, today’s trends seem to last about five minutes before being replaced by the next big thing. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are feeding us new content 24/7, making it feel like there is always something new to try. 

There are trends for aesthetics like Cottagecore, and even trends for moods (like being “very demure, very mindful”). With so many microtrends emerging and fading so quickly, it is becoming harder to pinpoint a singular one that defines a moment. In fact, the speed at which we consume and discard these trends makes it feel like the trend cycle itself is collapsing under its own weight.

And while the information overload may seem overwhelming – having to decide on embracing something new or sticking with what you love – it could inspire us to start thinking more deeply about what truly resonates with us. In fact, this could even push us towards more mindful consumption, encouraging us to invest in things that reflect who we are, and not what is trending online.