The Harm of Micro-Trends

We have all fallen victim to a micro-trend at some point in our lives. Whether it was the latest dress style, the skincare product everyone raves about, or changing your diet because you saw great results from someone online. If you’re not sure what a micro-trend is, it’s short-lived and fast-rising consumer behavior, interests, or styles that gain rapid popularity on social media platforms before quickly fading away. One that has been an ongoing issue for a while has been fast fashion. It can keep up with trends and profit from them. Most fast fashion brands are unethical and harmful to the environment. Fast fashion can keep up with the ever-changing styles that are considered “in”. Trends switch up from “clean girl” to “old money” in the blink of an eye. These are terms you’ve probably heard on TikTok and other platforms, where people who are easily influenced when their favorite creator starts to switch up their style. Or starts using a new beauty product. Or posts in a new restaurant. Many followers’ instincts are to do the thing or buy the same product so they can be like the people they idolize. That is how micro-trends are able to thrive.

Another recent micro-trend that has been harmful is an increased interest in matcha. Matcha itself is not a micro-trend, but the new uses of it are far from its origin. Matcha is a Japanese tea that is deeply rooted in tradition. There is a specific ritual that goes with the process of making it. The tencha , a type of green tea, farms in Japan are having a hard time keeping up with the high demand. I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy matcha, but maybe try making it at home and appreciating the ritual of it. For busy people, it is unrealistic to be able to enjoy it every day at home, but just trying can introduce you to a beautiful tradition. You can even make a hobby out of it!

There is a certain pressure, especially in teenage girls, to go along with what is “popular” just so you will be liked. It’s unfair and unrealistic to expect everyone to have the latest iPhone or every piece of clothing that is trending. There is nothing wrong with being unique by having your own sense of style and expressing yourself. You don’t have to say you like a drink or food just because it’s popular. Micro-trends restrict people from having their own individual interests and hobbies. Eventually, everyone will realize that just because someone online did it and liked it, or looks good because they did it, does not mean it’s the same for them. Every once in a while, things go viral for a reason and are truly helpful. You just have to hold yourself accountable and make sure that you aren’t also falling prey to micro-trends.

Further Reading on the Ethics of Fast Fashion: https://www.forbes.com/sites/syamameagher/2020/02/05/the-not-so-hidden-ethical-cost-of-fast-fashion-sneaky-sweatshops-in-our-own-backyard/

History of Matcha: https://www.matchaful.com/pages/the-history-of-matcha?srsltid=AfmBOoqVuOnJTQLsBJS_Wqyv7drszlao2LjW7xKjjcXWyhnavFo6BsLr