In the growing age of social media, following specific trends and the newest and latest products seems to be one of the most common occurrences in our society. Whether it be the latest water bottle, makeup product, or accessory, there is something that seems to drive our minds to buy or do the latest trend. It all stems from your brain and basic psychology.
The simplest term for what happens in our brains is the bandwagon effect. It is a feeling of needing to fit in with the people around you and the need to stay “cool.” When we see people on social media or in our schools with repeating items, it is often easy to want that same item to feel socially accepted. This is why companies use influencers and celebrities to market their products, as the more popular a product seems, the more popular it becomes. Your brain gives into the bandwagon effect because it is an easy way to make a decision. Imagine this: you recently dented your water bottle and now you need a new one. Your brain automatically thinks of the water bottles you see kids around your school using because it is an easy option that makes you fit in with your peers. This is the bandwagon effect in action.
While following trends seems totally innocent, there is another side to look at. If you watch the news enough, you are guaranteed to find an article talking about a person (usually a kid) getting injured or even dying because of a recent social media trend. In fact, you might be able to think of some dangerous trends in your head right now. Allowing the bandwagon effect to control your decision-making is alright, but it is important to also use critical thinking when deciding to participate in any trend. For instance, the water bottle that everyone at school has might cost $45, but you can find one just like it for $20. The bottles are the same material and hold the same amount of water, yet the name-brand one costs over two times the amount as the off-brand one. You may want to have the name brand bottle, but it would be smarter to choose the off-brand one instead.
Companies understand that the more their name is advertised and known, the more business they will receive. That’s why companies try to use the bandwagon effect to their advantage. They know that if you see their brand on a daily basis, you are more likely to buy their product when you want or need it. This is why being an informed consumer—when it comes to any product—is important. Knowing that you can get the same use out of a lesser known brand or a store brand product can save you tons of money in the long run. It also allows you to spend money on things you find more valuable in life.
In short, being an informed consumer can help you avoid trends that make you spend more money than you normally would. It’s important when partaking in any trend that you know why you are doing it. That reason may just be that you want to fit in. But recognizing that and understanding the impact that each trend may have on your life, can lead you to avoiding the ones that will injure or harm you either physically or economically.
