In today’s world, social media has become a huge part of our lives. It connects us, entertains us, and often shapes how we think and act. Every day, we scroll through countless posts, reels, and stories that set new trends — from fashion and fitness to opinions and lifestyles. But while social media can be inspiring, blindly following its trends can sometimes do more harm than good.
At first glance, trends seem harmless. A new dance challenge, a skincare routine, or a viral “aesthetic” might appear fun or motivating. But the problem begins when people start imitating everything they see online without thinking about whether it truly suits them. For example, a fitness influencer might promote a diet that works for them, but it may not be healthy or realistic for everyone. Yet, many young people still copy it, hoping for quick results. Similarly, beauty filters and “perfect” bodies on Instagram often push people into comparing themselves with unrealistic standards, leading to insecurity and self-doubt.
Social media trends also have the power to influence decisions in serious ways. During the pandemic, for instance, some false health tips spread like wildfire, and many people tried them just because they were trending — without checking if they were medically safe. Also, the financial trends, such as “get rich quick” investment videos, where people claim to double their money overnight. Many followers later realize that such advice can be misleading or even fake.
Another example is the sudden rise of luxury and lifestyle trends. While these trends promote elegance and self-care, they also subtly suggest that success or beauty must look a certain way — clean desks, green smoothies, expensive clothes, and perfect skin. This can make ordinary people feel like they’re not doing enough, even when they are simply living normal, balanced lives.
The real danger of blindly following trends is that it can make people lose their individuality. Social media often pushes everyone toward sameness — the same poses, captions, hobbies, and even emotions. It’s easy to forget who we really are in the rush to fit in. When we constantly try to match someone else’s version of happiness, we end up feeling empty inside.
This doesn’t mean social media is bad. In fact, it can be a wonderful tool for creativity, learning, and awareness. The key is to be mindful. Before joining any trend, we should ask ourselves a few simple questions: “Is this truly right for me?” “Am I doing this because I like it or simply because everyone else is doing it?” Thinking this way helps us stay grounded.
In the end, trends will come and go, but authenticity never fades.
The best thing we can do is to stay true to ourselves — to choose what genuinely makes us happy instead of what makes us look popular. Following your own path may not always be trending online, but it will always be real.
In the poem “The Road Not Taken”, Robert Frost writes, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”.