#83 TRENDING IN Aesthetics & Trends 🔥

The Aesthetic Paradox: Are Trendy Aesthetics Boxing Us Away from Individuality?

Aesthetics & Trends

November 08, 2024

It's 10 pm on a quiet night, and you're laying in bed scrolling through the numerous social platforms the internet has to offer. You look through all the pictures and videos of different individuals displaying different styles – or what we call ‘aesthetics’. Everyone seems to understand who they are, and what type of vibe they wish to present and now for you to feel the same way, it's time to try on the different aesthetics that seem to be trending.

From cottage core to dark academia, from clean girl to Y2K, we have all tried to fit into the criteria of aesthetics to have a label of belonging – to be recognized and perceived. We all want to stand out, yet so many of us seem to gravitate towards the same aesthetic and vibe. This unravels the paradox of it all: do we try to stand out by trying to fit in? Are aesthetics a form of personal expression, or do they end up boxing us into certain looks and ideals?

Let us slide into your dms 🥰

Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)

The Allure of Aesthetics: Identity or Illusion?

For many, choosing an aesthetic is more than just looking a certain way, it's about a lifestyle, a way of expression. Take Dark Academia, for example, this aesthetic speaks to the people who enjoy dark-colored themes, classical literature, and the romanticization of the pursuit of knowledge. People get the chance to embody their interests and values which gives them a sense of uniqueness.

But is that uniqueness real? Often, aesthetics do feel personal but the frameworks are surprisingly uniform. Each aesthetic comes with a list of ‘requirements’: certain ways to dress, particular hobbies to adopt, or specific items to be owned. So, it seems that instead of expressing individuality, we are all just following a new set of rules.

Photo by Laminto on Unsplash

Discover Your Ideal Stress-Relieving Hobby

Take the Quiz: Discover Your Ideal Stress-Relieving Hobby

Everyone deals with stress differently, and finding the right hobby can help you relax and unwind. Take this quiz to find out which stress-relievin...

Aesthetic Allies or Trend Twins?

Aesthetics help connect people, bringing like-minded individuals closer and finding those who really get you. Social media makes it easy to find mutuals who resonate with your style and values.

But what begins as a way of finding a ‘tribe’ can quickly escalate to a game of fitting in.

Sometimes, joining in on the same aesthetic community leads to a loss of individuality and creates a sense of sameness. The need to belong can lead people to adopt identical styles, rather than using aesthetics to create something personal. Are we truly expressing ourselves or mirroring people who look like us?

Scroll, Click, Conform: The Algorithm Effect

Social media algorithms play an important role in shaping aesthetics. They cater to crafting specific styles, pushing us to adopt what's trending in order to ‘stay relevant’. From outfit ideas to room decor, the algorithm slowly, and subtly, pushes us towards an aesthetic that gets the most engagement. In the end, what we have left with isn't necessarily something we enjoy or love– it's what the algorithm deems ‘worthy’ of likes, shares, and attention.

What are the results of this? Well, it's a growing uniformity. People all over the world start to look and live similar ways, and when our aesthetic is solely based on the algorithm and what we see on social media, then we lose that sense of individuality– we lose ourselves.

When Hobbies Become Hashtags

One of the clearest ways aesthetic conformity sneaks into our daily lives is through hobbies. A very popular example is reading, which has become less of a hobby and more of a trend. People who want to belong in the circle of dark academia force themselves to indulge in heavy classics they don't understand or benefit from. This turns what once was an enjoyable hobby into a chore.

The same can be said for a variety of hobbies that are often picked up to ‘complete the look’ of an aesthetic rather than for pure enjoyment. Hobbies turn into performances, fashion becomes limited, and our actions are based on image rather than satisfaction.

Photo by Laminto on Unsplash

Curating The Perfect Self: Is It Really You?

The more popular an aesthetic becomes, the easier it is to fall down the rabbit hole of being trapped into an idealized version of ourselves. Instead of asking ourselves ‘What do I want to do?’, we end up asking ‘Does this fit my aesthetic?’. The constant need to maintain an image creates a ‘constructed self’ and this version may feel satisfying on the surface, but deep down, are you truly happy?

So, how do we embrace aesthetics without losing ourselves in the process? The answer is quite simple: it all lies in intentionality; be true to yourself. It's okay if you want to dress up in a pink jumpsuit and still sit and read Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky, it's alright if one day you’re feeling dark red and black and the next day you’re pastel blue and purple – at the end of the day, being who you really are is the best aesthetic of all.

N Isa

Writer since Oct, 2024 · 2 published articles

With a deep love for writing and a flair for metaphor and symbolism, she explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of existence across various creative projects. Her work, whether in poetry or narrative, often delves into deep, introspective themes with a focus on the human condition.

Want to submit your own writing? Apply to be a writer for The Teen Magazine here!
Comment