From Tik Tok Trends to Starbucks Runs: Social Media and Teen Overconsumption
Recently, TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have shaped how high schoolers consume products to feed into the emerging culture of overconsumption. Influencers make them look cool and desirable; everyday products, such as Starbucks drinks and trendy outfits, promise to make one achieve a certain aesthetic or social standing. This influence, paired with in-app shopping features, has contributed to impulsive spending among teenagers, often leading them to buy items they don’t need.
Viola Gordon, a student at Blake shared how this cycle affects her: βI buy a lot of clothing or things that I wonβt really be interested in later on.β This reflects a common trend where teens, influenced by social media, buy into fleeting trends and aesthetics. Viola pointed to TikTok Shop as a major driver, especially for cheap, trendy items such as beauty products/tools. Platforms like Pinterest, she said, make her feel the need to replicate specific outfits or looks: βI need the exact replica of the shirt or the pants, because I really love the outfit.β
The most prominent example is how high schoolers consume Starbucks every morning because it fits an aesthetic created on social media. In the words of Viola, “Itβs baffling to see that you feel the need to buy a coffee every morning to fit some type of aesthetic.” This is driven by influencers aestheticizing one’s routine or purchases as βtokensβ of success or productivity.
Overconsumption can result in financial stress and even emotional distress, especially as students might feel the compulsion to keep up with fashions to be socially accepted. Viola suggests that students combat this by being mindful of their spending habits and avoiding situations that push them to overspend, like shopping trips with friends who love to buy unnecessary items.
Overall, social media influencers drive an overconsumption culture that defines spending and identity for high schoolers. In contrast, to combat these pressures, students will have to develop the ability for media literacy and engage in mindful consuming practices that consider their real needs over the trends on social media.