By Lucia Gabriel
As high schoolers wake up early in the morning and immediately grab their phones, it only takes a few scrolls through social media before they are lured in by an algorithm carefully curated to grab their attention. This prompts them to buy a strategically selected outfit they see online, pursue the same morning routine an influencer provided online, or recreate the same breakfast that seemed appetizing on TikTok. Teens are heavily influenced by the internet, to the point that they change their lifestyles to imitate what they see and acquire the items they desire.
On social media apps, such as TikTok and Instagram, many people do not realize all the aspects of their lives that are influenced by incessant daily scrolling. According to Forbes, “Social media platforms provide the best means of communicating with young customers, the Gen-Z generation. These platforms provide a means of interaction among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas.” Through these platforms, many can pick up different things they see and are inspired by.
It can be hard to tell what is truly authentic from what’s sponsored or fabricated. Whether it’s an influencer’s routine that is secretly enhanced by brand deals, digitally edited photos promoting an ideal body type, or health tips, the line can easily become blurred between what is true and fake. Hannah Hosseini, a sophomore at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), said, “I don’t necessarily trust any brands, so I buy a ton of clothes online from different brands and return the ones I don’t like, so I learn which brands better suite me.” Before she buys clothes online, she checks customer reviews because they are usually the most honest. She stated, “When something seems too good to be true, I usually look at the customer reviews and ask people I know who have purchased the product about how it is.”
“Social media has influenced me to buy certain items that everyone has only because it seems that everyone has it. Sometimes it’s great while other times it’s just another item that everyone has that I never wear.”
Hannah Hosseini (10)
Harper Ianella, a junior at PVHS said, “I try to differentiate on recommendations based on if the video said it is a paid advertisement, where it’s required by law to specify that it’s a paid advertisement.” She explained that this helps her decide whether the content is unbiased or a sponsored recommendation.
Many high schoolers decide who they follow based off their interests, as well as the ideas and clothes that captivate them the most. According to Opeepl, “Social media isn’t just entertainment; it’s the hub of youth life. It’s how they discover trends, connect with communities, express identity, and yes, decide what to buy.” Regan Cook, a junior at PVHS, explained that she follows content creators such as Greta Wilson and Renee Noe, saying, “I normally follow influencers who have the same style as me that I can relate to.” Following them has led to multiple purchases. For example, after Crumbl Cookie became popular and viral, she tried it and now goes with her friends every week.
Ianella said, “I decide who to follow mostly based on their aesthetics so that I am shown stuff that I want to implement in my life. This includes new clothing styles, room decoration, and foods that I want to bring into my life.” When they see influencers wearing clothes that matches their style, many high schoolers want to purchase them. Hosseini said, “I really like Tate McRae and Madison Beer’s styles a lot. Their color coordinating influences many of the shoes and outfits I wear.”
Anderson Hall, a junior at PVHS, explained that she follows many people based off their style that she aspires to have. She stated, “They have influenced me to buy a heated eyelash curler, and now I use it every day.” After seeing many people on the internet wearing the Parke sweatshirt, she bought it because she liked the style of the mock sweaters.
Many feel obligated to buy certain items because they are trendy for a period, but later the trend dies down. Hosseini said, “Social media has influenced me to buy certain items that everyone has only because it seems that everyone has it. Sometimes it’s great while other times it’s just another item that everyone has that I never wear.”
While the internet can inspire positive habits and ideas, there is a major push for impulsive purchases and unrealistic ideals. It can be hard to differentiate between what is realistic versus what is a paid promotion. Digital advertisements have become a dominant way to capture people’s interests and influence their habits, as well as impact what they buy.
Graphic by Philip Berkwit
