There are fads, trends and megatrends that influencers have set the agenda on, on social media platforms such as TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram. Whether it’s the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, the Adidas Sambas or a colorful Stanley cup; it’s not needed. Influencers promote these overhyped and overpriced products to support the products and their own economic status.

Before influencers like Emma Chamberlain, and now Alix Earle, there were numerous small creators on Tumblr promoting the 2014 soft grunge aesthetic. Products like chokers and mustache tattoos were constantly shown and bought by consumers of the platform.

Instances of influencers promoting content isn’t a new thing; it’s been going on for years but in unique ways on different platforms. The issue now is that the buying of these viral products is going up so quickly and then sales drop fast. Same with influencers, their following grows astronomically after a few videos and then they stay stagnant.

Watchers of TikTok saw influencers like Charli D’Amelio’s fast rise to popularity, which has since floated around 151.1M for a long time. She reached 100 million in the fall of 2020 and has since starred in a reality TV show, made her own perfume and has a clothing line with Hollister. This fast-paced rise and fall to and from fame is also creating consequences for the influencers themselves, not just the products.

The same thing happened to Hydro Flasks. Though they are still bought and have a good reputation, they’ve become the predecessor to Stanley Cups. There’s always something new up-and-coming that’ll take over and gain more popularity and more money than the last.

If you like an item from these trends, think if you’ll use it a year, or even a few months from now. The item may be trending right now, but it could also be a staple in your wardrobe. Buy something because you know it has a purpose. Don’t let someone find it in a thrift store once the trend dies down because you’ve been influenced to spend money and let it go to waste.

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Hi! I’m Annie Gleydura, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.