4 minute read
De-influencing
In the last few months, the deinfluencing trend has taken Tiktok by storm. Unfortunately, this trend which started out as a way to combat overconsumption and capatalism soon turned into another way for influencers to sell prdoducts. What started as “You don’t need to buy this” soon became “Don’t buy this… Buy this other thing instead!”
Deinfluencing? Never heard of her So, what is deinfluencing? Deinfluencing is a trend that started on Tiktok as a way of encouraging viewers to spend less money and stop buying unnecessary products. Anyone who was raised in the online landscape is likely used to being constantly advertised to and bobmarded with a rolodex of new and trendy things that they supposedly need to buy. You may already own more cosmetics than you could ever use, but you need that new Conspiracy palette. And sure, you already own enough lipsticks, but do you own one in the shade Rum Raison? Tiktok says that you should. While you are at it, you may as well buy that merchandise from your favorite creator (even though it is incredibly overpriced and poorly made). And do not forget about that new water bottle! If you are not drinking your water out of a Stanley Cup you may as well not be drinking at all.
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It is because of this pattern of constantly feeling the need to keep buying new products that this deinfluencing trend felt like such a breath of fresh air to so many people. It essentially begged people to ask themselves one question: “do you need this?” This trend encouraged people to finish what they already own before buying new items, think about whether they could afford certain purchases, and consider if they would genuinely use that new product.
What say you, Socialist Youth Movement?
PDBY spoke to Cameron Rodrigues, the chairperson of the Socialist Youth Movement UP. When asked about overconsumption, they stated that it is “a concept that has existed for a while, especially within fashion due to the fact that fast companies such as Shein and H&M are constantly creating new trends within the market and catering to those trends. When people overconsume its due to companies constantly pushing new trends so we don’t necessarily feel as if we can keep up with them. Along with over consumption comes the exploitation of working class people in clothing production, especially in the developing world because of transnational corporations and landfills. It is a really good thing to encourage responsible consumption of goods and be more conscious of what you purchase. Along with this must also come the recognition of the fact that a lot of poor and working class people rely on cheap clothing brands and thrifting, which now has been co-opted by rich and middle class people spending exorbitant amounts of money on Shein hauls when they could actually afford to buy sustainably.”
Do you really need it?
Another problem with this perpetual pushing of products is that many people do not view these products through the lens of necessity. For many people, it feels like new products represent much more than what meets the eye. If that influencer, who seemingly has their life together, owns an iPad, then surely buying a new iPad will mean that you will aslo get your life together. That person on Tiktok who owns an entire collection of Selke dresses looks happy. So, if you buy that too then you will surely be just as happy, right? Unfortunately, those who fall down this trap of trying to buy a new life, or feeling, are often left dissapointed. Trendy products may give you a temporary boost in serotonin, but it cannot solve any feelings of inferiority or mental health struggles. Ultimately, you will only be left with a feeling of disillusionment and debt.
Hello UP student, this is a safe place to shoot your shot at all those cute people you see around campus. Tell those people how you feel about them, hit on your crush or compliment a person on that outfit they were wearing the other day. Anything positive really. Try to be as detailed and creative as possible with your description so it makes it easy for the person to identify themself. Here’s to hoping for your success, and maybe even a possible meet up :)
To the girl that works for PDBY, that has a butterfly tattoo on her right hand, with dreadlocks, it only took a sec for me to notice you, it didn’t take long coz when I saw you, you had a smile on your face, I swear your smile makes me drown, it gives me butterflies and tickles me, I would go on and on but I’ll end it here, seeing you at times brightens my day. I wonder how it would be if I did see you most of the time. With all that being said I’m asking to take you out on a date.
To the hottie who played 5’s football on a Monday last year, studies some sort of BCom degree and whose name is James. Let’s go on a date?
To the Tuks Rugby player I met on Saturday in Kapstadt, I'm over your brother, you were always the hottest and my first choice. Number 10 on the rugby field but number 1 in my heart.
To the girl with Denim jacket in CMY 383. When I first saw you, I thought you were really cute, however you stole my heart on the day when the lecturer brought a hammer to class. I don’t have the guts to tell you how I feel in person, but I want you to know how you make me feel.
To the tall chubby guy who stays in Varsity Studios (VS) he's always looking good in his shorts and short-sleeved shirts. I always bump into him in the study area; his laptop has a lot of anime stickers. He's coffee colour and wears prescription glasses. I like you and I think you would be my perfect gentleman. *wink* *blowing kisses*
