It’s easy to find students hanging out between classes and scrolling through TikTok or checking out Snapchat and Instagram stories.
Social media has become a huge part of how today’s generation connects with others, and is often an outlet for entrainment and inspiration.
But without fully realizing it, more students are starting to make buying decisions based on what they see on social media.
Whether it’s a product recommended by an influencer or the latest fashion trend, apps such as TikTok and Instagram make it even easier to get caught up in today’s popular trends.
According to a survey that was conducted by The Californian and emailed to Cal High students, 94 of the 124 students who responded (75.8%) said they have been influenced to buy various products they saw online.
Many of the respondents indicated that these products ranged from clothes, delectable eats to collectibles and other merchandise.
Students said they’re influenced to buy such items for various reasons.
“When people are out buying the Stanley cup, they believe that this would help them feel like they are part of a group rather than making the best decision,” senior Sushrut Pola said.
Pola believes that a lot of high school students are susceptible to act in such a way because they are easily swayed with the idea of meeting societal expectations, making them want to seek validation by buying these products.
English teacher Alexis Fernando notices these trends making an impact on her students, specifically streetwear and collectibles.
“These items have a large impact on high schoolers finding out who they are or their style, especially given the environment that they are in,” Fernando said. “Most students want to have some sense of belonging, so following these certain trends allow them to find groups who share their interests.”
A hyped up drink circulating TikTok is matcha, mainly because of its increased consumer focus on wellness, has been a popular choice for many health-conscious Gen-Z consumers.
Senior Liam Horner believes that of all the popular social media trends he’s been influenced by, matcha was the one that was worth the price.
“I can’t think straight without my matcha,” Horner said.
Senior Aarav Shukla said that some trendy products are overpriced and more expensive than they should be.
“You must be out of your mind if you are paying $20 for a Dubai chocolate bar,” Shukla said.
Even though she knows it’s a really bad idea, freshman Saanvi Koppulu said she often seems to be drawn toward food trends, such as Crumbl cookies that feature different flavors every week.
Crumbl even helps create trendy cookies, such as Benson Boone’s Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie, that promotes his song, “Mystical Magical.”
“I probably shouldn’t be wasting my money every week for something that isn’t good for me,” Koppulu said.
Taking a detour from popular food items, social media trends can also influence and shape people’s wardrobes.
“I like buying cute babydoll tops or jorts that I see people wearing on social media,” senior Isabela Romero said.
Fernando believes that these trends have a neutral impact on students.
“The line should be drawn when people start to follow trends without a genuine interest for them, because you could easily turn into someone that’s not truly yourself, only a reflection on what’s popular to others,” Fernando said.
Ultimately, students say it’s important to pause and consider whether the purchase is driven by genuine need or simply by the race to keep up with the trends on social media.
“The financial decision shouldn’t be backed up by a trend,” Pola said. “It should be backed up by your own choices.”
