Mental Health

Trends on social media are ruining your identity: Benefits of not following trends 

Something is always trending. Hairstyle, hair color, body shape, skin tone, facial structure, exercises, and clothing, are trends that most people start and keep up with.

And sometimes we get carried away by the glamour of it all, and end up forgetting what we like, and want. Or what matters to us in the long run and our style or goal in life. Trends are fun, that is no doubt, but it becomes a problem when your life starts to revolve around it. That’s where it can get damaging to your self-image and you start to feel less. Trends should be left as trends, and seen as trends because that’s where the fun lies. It’s something that comes around, and goes on, and some last longer than others. 

You might argue the fact that people are always evolving, and there’s nothing wrong with moving with it. However, evolving is not the same as trending. Anything can trend as I mentioned earlier, but your values and self-worth should be constant. You don’t need to fit into any particular category if it isn’t something you relate to. You’re YOU, and that’s what matters. Improving yourself is what should be of utmost importance, and not the other way around. 

Does this mean you shouldn’t follow trends?

A lady wondering whether to follow trends on her socials

You don’t have to stop joining in on certain trends, trends are fun. There is no reason not to participate in trending dances, makeup, clothing, decor, and aesthetics. However, when something is trending, it may seem like the right thing to become that thing. And for reasons such as, to feel like you belong, be enough, or look “stylish”,  but they’re not the right reasons. Trends come and go, but you’re here to stay, and that’s what you have to remember. The fact that a bedroom decor is trending amongst your peers, doesn’t mean your bedroom doesn’t look good. It doesn’t mean your bedroom isn’t good enough anymore, and you don’t have to worry about making yours look exactly like it. 

There is always a new bedroom look, so how many times do you want to fit your into them? This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t want to tap into it and change some things in your bedroom, because of what you saw. But if it isn’t possible to join in on trending aesthetics, due to some reasons, carry on with your life. 

Because if it really is something that pertains to your personality, you’ll work towards it to get it later on. And not stress about quickly joining in on the trending aesthetics. 

 Benefits of not following trends

1. Expressing your individuality

When you don’t follow trends, you can be yourself, and maintain your unique identity and style without trying to fit in with what’s popular. You can:

  • Wear what makes you feel good, not just what’s trendy
  • Have interests and hobbies that are unique to you 
  • Listen to music that you enjoy, not just what’s on the charts
  • Express yourself in a way that feels authentic, without trying to copy others

This means you can maintain your individuality and stand out from the crowd, rather than blending in with everyone else. You can be proud of who you are and what makes you different.

2. Saving money

Avoiding trendy purchases can save you money. Imagine having to buy this and buy that because everyone else has it, it can be exhausting. Therefore, enjoying what you have can help you save money and get what you really need when it’s time. 

3. Timelessness

Your choices remain relevant and don’t quickly become outdated. This is because when you don’t follow trends, your choices, and decisions can be more timeless. Therefore the things you have won’t quickly become outdated or go out of style. 

For example:

  • Buying a classic piece of clothing that won’t go out of fashion soon, rather than a trendy item that will be out of style next season.
  • Decorating your home with a timeless style, rather than following the latest trendy decor.
  • Investing in quality, classic products that will last, rather than trendy gadgets that will soon be replaced.

By making timeless choices, you can avoid the cycle of constantly needing to update or replace things to keep up with the latest trends. This can lead to a more sustainable, practical, and stress-free approach to life.

4 . Reduced comparison

You’re less likely to compare yourself to others when you don’t follow trends. This is because you tend to not keep up with what others are doing or wearing. Or measure your worth by how well you fit in with the latest trends. But you’re focused on your unique style and preferences. So therefore, not following trends can break you free from the comparison cycle, and focus on being the best version of yourself, without constantly measuring yourself against others.

5 . Increased creativity

You’re forced to think outside the box and find new inspiration. Because when you don’t follow trends, you’re forced to think for yourself and find new inspiration. Therefore, you’re not relying on what’s popular to dictate your choices, so you need to explore and discover new things. This helps you embrace your originality and style.

Not following trends can lead to increased creativity because you’re not limited by what everyone is hyping. You’re more open to new experiences, and ideas which can help you come up with fresh, and innovative ideas. Therefore, thinking outside the box helps you tap into your creative potential, and express yourself more authentically.

6 . Confidence 

There is an increased confidence that comes from not following trends. When you don’t feel pressured to follow the latest trends, you’re more likely to trust your instincts, feel secure in your own choices and style, don’t compare, and develop a sense of self-worth. 

When you’re not trying to keep up with trends, you get to focus on what makes you happy and confident, rather than trying to fit in with what’s popular. This leads to a more authentic and empowered sense of self, where you’re not swayed by external influences, but instead, trust yourself, and your own unique voice.

Things you don’t need to do with trends 

1 . Don’t make trends your next best thing

Truly trending things are seen as the next best thing, I mean that’s why they’re even trending. But when you tend to make it the next best thing for your life at that particular time it could become a problem. For example, there’s a villa trending on Instagram for weddings, and it looks nice but you can’t afford it. It’s fine, you don’t have to begin bothering yourself about it or worry about your wedding not being good enough. 

This happens to a lot of people who wish to do something in a way everyone else is doing it. And when they don’t have the chance to do it the trending way, it looks and feels less than. So, therefore, enjoy whatever you have, regardless of whether it looks like what’s trending or not. 

2 .  Trends don’t have to be your new personality

 A lot of people follow trends and turn them into their new personality, and this can be harmful. It’s important to stay true to yourself, as it can help preserve your self-worth. You don’t have to become a different person to fit into what’s trending, it isn’t worth it for real. Enjoy trends for what they are, maybe join in for the fun of it, and avoid making it a huge deal. 

3 . You don’t have to participate in every trend

People need to know that not every trend is worth participating in. If what is trending isn’t something you like or find comfortable, you don’t have to do it. A lot of content creators, bloggers, and so on tend to fall into this. You may not believe in some things that are trending, it could be dance, music, clothing, physical looks, and so on. And in cases like this, you don’t have to bother joining in, it doesn’t reduce you in any way. As mentioned earlier in this article, trends should be a fun experience.

Read these articles too!

Does social media ruin people’s lives?

Social Media: How to Use it Safely.

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