Is keeping up with trends worth it?

I was driving through the Norfolk countryside when I had the brainwave to write a blog post about keeping up with trends. I’ve considered increasing my social media presence for months, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. But, while I enjoy consuming content on the platforms in moderation, I had a fleeting fear about the trends that dominate their algorithms and being able to adopt them quickly enough to reach my desired audience.

As I contemplated whether creating an Instagram or TikTok account was worth it, it led me to question, is keeping up with trends worth it?

Why do people keep up with trends?

It depends on the context. But, referring to trends in the round, it can often come down to building connections and creating a common ground with others, whether that be from a business launch that’s bucking an industry trend in the market, an Adanola jumper that your favourite influencer has just purchased, or an Instagram Reel template that your friends are copying and sharing.

Less positively, it can also be triggered by a fear of missing out (the devil that’s also known as FOMO), creating urgency in keeping up with trends. Staying relevant might be driven by a longing for validation and acceptance from your peers, for example, at school. It might serve as a barometer of social status as an adult to showcase a perfectly renovated home or corporate career, further fuelled by the likes and followers that such content generates.

Keeping up with trends can be deep-rooted. But, I think it’s safe to say that the majority of us have followed a trend. It’s near-impossible not to as, truthfully, they surround us. From digital billboards with flashing images of the latest cars to High Street clothes that are influenced by what’s on the runway, trends are everywhere and can be adopted unknowingly. Only recently, I was having dinner with my friends, looking through old photos of our university days and reminiscing about the skater dress era…

Is it important to follow trends?

I understand the desire and personal importance of keeping up with trends that relate to your interests. If you’re a fashion influencer, keeping up with trends on fashion drops would be more important to you than reading new book releases, buying the latest technology or following marketing industry trends. So, establishing your reason for following a trend is crucial to ensure that it’s followed healthily.

Personally, I would always prefer a simple and classic jumper over a branded hoodie that’s trending, especially because on my journey of spending less money on consumerism. But, a trending song can often pique my interest on the radio and encourage a discussion with my fiance, which is important for our connection, and a trending blogging practice can help me to improve my blog and grow my sisterhood, which is important for my passion.

However, following the latest trends for the sake of following trends is where it can become unhealthy, especially if your projected outcome isn’t in alignment with your true interests. If you are spending money to fit an image or social status, for example, it will become a never-ending race to the finish line that’s bound to expel your energy and leave you feeling deflated.

How to follow trends healthily

Spending your time and money on what you truly want, rather than what others want, will help you to live by your true purpose, beliefs and values – this is crucial for living intentionally. While I’m still learning, I’ve come a long way with following trends on my intentional living journey. In the physical world, I think before I buy something and I only follow the trends that I know align with me. I need to remember that the same applies to my online presence and I’m in control of what I put out into the world.

Before you follow a trend, pause and question if it’s in alignment with who you are – only then will you know if keeping up with it is worth it.

I would love to hear if you’ve been keeping up with trends and if so, what they are, in the comments or my inbox.