Muscat: Trends emerge and recede in modern society. They shape our preferences and influence people’s behaviour. However, the concept of ‘trends’, once a staple of the online realm and social networking platforms, has transformed into a multifaceted tool employed across society to gauge and steer public sentiment toward specific ideas or commodities.
According to Nasser al Harrasi, the phenomenon of riding the trend wave has transcended its initial confines and permeated the entire spectrum of society. No longer relegated to a particular faction, it has evolved into a ubiquitous and preferred method for individuals from all walks of life. This trend-driven phenomenon now exerts its influence over our life, morphing into an insatiable obsession that captivates minds, rendering resistance futile.
Al Harrasi emphasises how trends have become interwoven into our daily choices, encompassing attire, cuisine, affiliations, leisure pursuits, luminaries, and even our core beliefs. Fuelled by the propulsion of social media networks, platforms, and emerging media. Trends steer us towards notions and products that might not inherently resonate with our needs or preferences. This intricate process of trend adoption and its concomitant effects can potentially divert the contemplation and awareness of those ensnared within its beguiling allure.
Reflecting on contemporary developments, Al Harrasi cites an illustrative instance involving a prominent coffee brand’s latest offering for its new drink. Despite widespread criticism for its lacklustre taste and steep pricing, the product swiftly sold out across numerous branches during its initial fortnight. This curious phenomenon underscores that people, regardless of financial implications or flavour profiles, are compelled to acquire the product solely to align with the trend and share the experience through imagery.
In a similar vein, Mazen al Abri sheds light on the trajectory of ideas as they mature into trends. Typically initiated by an influencer within their circle of followers, the idea ripples through successive circles until it gains critical momentum and transforms into a full-fledged trend. Sometimes, this trend attains a level of influence that is challenging to rein in.
Al Abri observes that this trend-driven mindset has altered the motivations behind consumption, particularly in the younger generation. Consumables are no longer sought for their inherent utility; they are acquired to embody the trend and partake in its circulation. He notes that savvy digital marketers capitalise on this trend-driven ethos due to its cost-effective nature in promoting concepts or products. As a result, corporations and content creators alike strive to craft trends around their offerings.
Al Abri underscores the peril of trends being manipulated to commodify our existence, eroding its intrinsic values. When individuals prioritise numerical metrics, indicators, and the prevailing trends themselves, regardless of socioeconomic status, they inadvertently forsake authenticity in their pursuit of trendiness.
“All current generations are actively using social media platforms. Therefore, parents must concentrate and be vigilant about reducing their children’s participation in these trends. Engaging in these trends makes it challenging to alter their perspectives later on,” Al Abri Added.
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