unmuted

Rina Zatarah

19-11-2025

As an avid TikTok and Instagram reels scroller, I tend to notice how easily I get introduced to a new trend almost everyday. One day it can be a new dance trend, the next day it can be a funny trend where you prank your friends and family, etc. The cycle is constant and continuing as trends are what get the most attention in social media platforms, since they can be extremely addictive, constantly changing, and endless. The question in mind is: What makes trends so influential in our modern society and how do they get us to eagerly want to participate in them?

What we don’t realize as we are spending hours on TikTok or Instagram, is that the content that pop ups is not a coincidence.

Every time you like a post, comment, share, watch a reel, rewatch a reel, post to your story, add a song to your carousel post, make a new account or update your profile, these actions are recognised, understood and filed away.” (Alisha Diacone on the The Modern Muse Magazine)

That is how filter bubbles and algorithms work, even if we do not realize it, everything is meant to slowly become a reflection of content you interacted with.

For many of you, this can sound pretty creepy and odd. The other day, as soon as I opened my TikTok, the first thing that comes up on my For You Page was a video saying “If you see this on Monday November 17^th…” and continues on with a religious discussion, and of course, I saw that video on that exact date. At first, I thought that it was some type of sign, due to the fact that before I was interacting with specific type of religious videos, but it was just the algorithm being too good at it’s job. This is why trends can be so powerful, it can influence how we think, what we do, and what we buy, making us think they are designed specifically for you, and that personal touch drives participation.

In addition to what we watch and what we buy, trends also affect fashion, communication and culture. Short form videos have become a simpler way to communicate with people, and hashtags have helped content reach target audiences and provoke action. We have seen so many trends arise, both old and new. The “renegade” dance trend was done by almost everyone who had TikTok in 2020, gaining millions of views by recreating it , and now with the 6-7 meme, which has no apparent significance but is often used on TikTok and Instagram these days. But, trends can sometimes also be very misleading or encourage superficial conversations. While they can be a form for people to be creative and have fun, but can also lead to hatred from people online, and the pressure of wanting to fit in.

Yes, trends have become an important and powerful part of modern life, but they do not have to control us. To stay in control we should engage with content that actually entertains and interests us, and to be cautious about what you buy and ask yourself if you want this item just because it is a trend and everyone owns it. Algorithms may nudge us in a certain direction, but they don’t define our beliefs and values.

To conclude, trends are what they are today because algorithms personalize your content, social approval promotes participation, and cultural significance spreads ideas vastly. I think everyone should participate in fun trends that they enjoy once in a while, but always be aware of what is shaping those trends, and make choices that interest and benefit you.