How has TikTok and social media helped fuel overconsumption and the rise of fast fashion? I remember years ago, TikTok was purely fun dance videos with only a few ads and promotions. Now, every single video I see is an ad or an influencer trying to sell me something. Another common video that I see is an influencer trying to sell their viewers the “shoe of the summer” or the outfit that “you need to have for fall.” This excessive promotion of clothes, makeup, and other products has played a large part in the rise of overconsumption and fast fashion. Trends seem to take over our school in an instant.

First, it was Uggs, then it was Aritzia cargo sweatpants and White Fox sweat sets. It starts with one person having this said item. Then, in the blink of an eye, everyone and their mother has it. The mini Uggs are a good example of how quickly trends take over our school (especially after the holidays). Now, most people in the hall are wearing Uggs or a White Fox set on any given day. But, where do all these trends end up? For me personally, my Air Force 1s from middle school (another trend that completely took over) are shoved into the corner of my closet. If they’re not collecting dust, chances are that fast fashion pieces are thrown away. This cycle where we consume things just to discard them  is not good for the environment. However, many people are participating in the “de-influencing” trend (a trend that advises consumers on what products they don’t need) because of this. Hope fully, this trend is one that sticks and consumers will consume a little less.