consumerism, conformity, and individuality

Over the last few days, I've spent a lot of time considering the nature of consumerism and internet culture after having several discussions with my mum about trends during her teenage years, particularly their prevalence and their impact within her own small subsection of society at the time. What became apparent to me was not only how trends themselves differed in the past, but how they were experienced. Trends undoubtedly existed, influencing communities and shaping identities, but without reaching everyone, immediately, all at once. Throughout human history, people have looked to those around them to understand themselves, their communities, and their place within society. The way we dress, the values we hold, and the lifestyles we aspire to have always been influenced by the people and cultures surrounding us. In this sense, comparison and competition are not new aspects of human behaviour; they have long played a role in how individuals navigate social relationships, establish…