HOW MICROTRENDS COULD AFFECT YOUR TEEN’S SENSE OF SELF

A key aspect of adolescent development is figuring out a sense of self, autonomy, and knowledge. They are trying to balance out what they like, what their beliefs are, and how they fit in the world with the expectations from their peers. This might make them susceptible to peer pressure, excessive risk-taking, and becoming self-focused. So how does social media and microtrends play into this? Well, it can widen the expectations of what a teenager must achieve and strive for, beyond their lived experiences and means.

We’ve always had categories for different styles of clothing: preppy, goth, girly, sporty, etc., that have trended and that correlate to our personality. However, recently, there has been an influx of hyper specific styles, also known as microtrends, especially on Instagram and TikTok. An example of this is “ballet-core” and “coquette”. While both these styles center bows, the color pink or white, or a satin fabric, these are considered separate aesthetics. And it is not just about clothes, it is marketing an entire lifestyle around it. “Coquette” girls don’t just wear pink, they are ultra-feminine, they love iced coffee or tea, they don’t speak too loud, they’re demure, they live a “soft-life”, and they’re innocent. Currently TikTok and Instagram are so inundated with pages that are so carefully curated so that it is easily digestible as to what microtrend the influencer is representing. And you see it over and over again with the specific type of clothing and hobbies that you are expected to have with each of these microtrends. Social media encourages teens to consume not only with the content they’re viewing but materialistically, to fit whatever trends are popular at the moment. Microtrends require you to shed your multifaceted, personal identity, for a singular look, hobby, and aesthetic, to fit in. This is further bolstered by youth-centric online clothing stores, like Cider, that have aesthetic-based sections. And much like regular trends, microtrends last only so long before something else takes its place, requiring a cycle of vapid shedding and consumption to continuously fit in.

While this all might sound silly while reading this, for impressionable adolescents still developing their identity, their peers’ opinions and being able to fit in, is incredibly important. It is so easy to emulate their favorite popular TikToker or Instagram influencer, without realizing that it’s a façade. More than likely the influencer they admire, is putting on a persona for the camera, and not reflecting their actual life. Teens who struggle with their sense of identity can also struggle with confidence and self-esteem. By constantly relying on others to make the “right” choice, it might lead to poorer outcomes and risky behavior. This can lead to an increase in depression and anxiety because they are constantly unhappy with who they are. However, teens with a strong sense of self can be empowered to make better life decisions, can handle challenges, such as school or peer pressure. Ultimately, we want to make sure our teens are resilient and can express comfort in who they are, regardless of trends.