Social media trend tyranny

Undeniably, social media trends govern the norm. What is ‘in’ and ‘out’ dictate the products we buy, the conversations we have, and the people we surround ourselves with. While trends are fun and relatable, we should question, is this outlook on life beneficial?

A common topic of discussion both on and offline is relationships. When it comes to social media, scrolling for only a few minutes will enlighten you on how to navigate your romantic life. If you have been seeing someone for three months, then it is the perfect time to assess whether they should be a life-long partner, the three-month rule. If it is February then you should probably break up with your partner or think about reconnecting with an ex, the February rule.

Wellness, another area of prolific internet-based discussion, is accompanied by multiple trends that constrain behaviour, all in the hope of achieving a healthier, happier, more productive self. Your morning routine could go as follows: wake up at 6am, check how deep your sleep was on some form of wrist-borne tracking device, drink three different types of liquid, go to the gym and so on.

When I phrase these examples in a satirical manner it may seem absurd that so many take them as gospel. However, combine them with the romanticisation of social media and the frequency of videos as well as repeatedly watching the same example, then you have a credible rule.

In times when the world outside is stressful, it is understandable that so many look inward to fix problems. It is no secret that there is a lack of jobs for young people. I personally have been stuck at the same below-minimum-wage job for three years due to the severe lack of work in my area and the fear of losing the job I do have. Uncertainty and denied productivity may be causing us to be overly efficient in our personal lives, especially since productivity is a pillar of the coveted ‘best self’. Morning routines and relationships are the perfect facets of the self to feel in charge of.

Often, a rule or activity hailed by a large majority can appear as an easy path to success. Many find relationships difficult to approach and therefore the simplicity of the authoritative online voice is seductive. An easy path to success also combats the fear of wasting time. A typically uneventful period, such as the hours after waking up, can now be optimised through a neatly packaged set of rules. By applying this to your relationships, you no longer have to waste months or even years on finding the perfect partner as three months is the perfect trialled and tested point to assess if they are worth your time.

Amidst all this, how can we help ourselves? It is important to critique behavioural patterns we find concerning but providing no means of assistance may cause an overwhelming feeling, one that may be scared of social media’s grip.

Social media turns common ideas into commodities sold to us to better our lives. We have the agency to decline this if we see fit. Questioning the credibility and appropriateness of what we see online may start a discussion that assesses if a trend is applicable to us. Do we need to complete a set of extensive activities to be our best selves and is this pressure hindering us as opposed to helping?

Conversations with friends may provide a more relatable source than connecting with an online trend. More often than not, the people around us are going through or have gone through similar experiences and may be able to give helpful advice. Finally, seeing the value in what we already have, such as the friends around us, means we feel more fulfilled in the long run than constantly chasing a trend.