Young people and the waves of trends

The pressure to live up to social media trends is quite common among many young people. Currently, new trends are constantly emerging on various platforms, from clothing and conversation styles to lifestyles and ways of thinking. Not following a trend means missing out, but doing so can sometimes be very detrimental.

Following the trend "What if my life isn't brilliant?", a new trend has emerged on social media: "My 2016 self and my 2026 self." This is essentially a comparison of how one has changed and differed after 10 years. Many stories have been shared, most notably that of Do Dat, a young man born in 2001 who owns a TikTok channel with 10.6 million followers. He shared his journey of remarkable progress in both life and career over just 5 years, from 2021 to 2026. Currently, this video has attracted over 13.6 million views.

The saying "looking up makes you seem like an ancient relic" is a humorous expression among many young people when following online trends. Trends come and go quickly, like one wave replacing another. Catching a trend at the right time makes many feel dynamic and no longer feel left behind. However, behind that vibrancy lies an invisible pressure that many young people face. In everyday conversations, not understanding or knowing about a new trend sometimes makes them feel out of place – a sign of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). "Following a trend is sometimes just to feel like you're part of a certain group, to feel like you belong. Besides that, trying to chase trends also reflects an insecurity about one's inner identity," shared psychologist Pham Hoang Long from the NHC Vietnam Center for Psychology and Human Development.

Following trends isn't inherently bad; the important thing is knowing which trends suit you and not becoming overly dependent on them to avoid gradually losing your self-awareness and independent decision-making abilities. Only when you understand who you are can you truly walk your own path. Being mindful and cautious about controversial, negative, or offensive trends is also a way to protect yourself.

HAI DUY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gioi-tre-va-nhung-nhip-song-trend-post846226.html