Commonplace

 

 

                                                    (image: youtube.com)

Makiuso pirme.

What is it about trends that makes them so pervasive? Are they not similar to an epidemic, spreading rapidly through society? Why are people so irresistibly drawn to whatever is considered "in"?

People get into trends due to a mix of psychological factors, including the desire for social acceptance and belonging, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the bandwagon effect, where they follow others to feel included.

Trends also offer a way to express and explore identity, while cognitive biases like novelty-seeking and the influence of media amplify their appeal. Additionally, trends provide psychological comfort by reducing decision-making stress and aligning individuals with cultural norms, making it easier to fit in and feel secure in a social context.

Younger individuals are prone to joining such trends because they are still on the age of looking for their individual identities. But there are also adults who still want to be authentic and relevant.

Research by Cialdini and Goldstein (2004) on social influence shows that excessive conformity can diminish personal autonomy and self-expression, which are crucial for psychological well-being.

When people follow trends without questioning, it can reduce critical thinking and lead to a passive acceptance of information. A study by Kahneman (2011) on cognitive biases shows how the availability heuristic, where people rely on readily available information (often trends), can lead to flawed decision-making by bypassing deeper analysis.

To avoid being swept up by trends, one should cultivate self-awareness and critical thinking. It's important to reflect on whether a trend aligns with personal values or if it's driven by a desire for social approval.

If unguarded, this can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's authentic self, impulsive choices that may have negative consequences, and a constant chase for external validation. Over time, this can result in a lack of fulfilment and a diminished sense of self-worth, as one's identity becomes increasingly shaped by external influences rather than personal convictions.

In Malcolm Gladwell's “The Tipping Point”, he explores how small changes and social dynamics can lead to widespread adoption of trends. According to Gladwell, when individuals follow trends merely to gain acceptance, they often contribute to a collective shift that might ultimately lead to a superficial or banal version of selfhood.

A nondescript identity muddles the mind of the attention-hungry. Then, the mental well-being will then be affected.