By Lily M., Seventh Grade Student, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Trends have always been around. But today because of social media, trends are more prevalent and pervasive than ever, and they change all the time. There are device trends, dance trends, fashion trends, television trends, music trends and even dangerous trends.
Trends travel around the world thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. People, especially teenagers, “live” on these platforms (particularly during the pandemic) and spread popular trends using them.
According to Madeline L, a seventh grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation, TikTok is very popular among teenagers because it is different from other social media sites. It allows users to post pictures and videos of everything and anything, from silly dance routines, embarrassing pranks and other random life moments. The videos are posted instantaneously.
Madeline finds TikTok fascinating because there are so many different videos to watch, and users can also post their own videos. “Making a TikTok when you are with your friends is also really fun,” she says.
However, TikTok has also proven dangerous at times. For example, the recent blackout trend challenged young users to hold their breath until they passed out. Some took it way too far, including 10-year-old Nyla Anderson, a Pennsylvania native, who was in her bedroom alone when she tried this trend. No one was there to save her, according to the website Health.com. Because of dangerous trends like this, TikTok must be monitored closely and dangerous challenges have to be removed immediately.
Another popular trend among teens is fashion, particularly shoes and Air Jordans. Jake W., a seventh grade student at KSDS, is a big fan of Air Jordans. Some of his favorites are the Mid Signal Blues from 2021 and the Jordan Oreo Forces, also from 2021 but inspired by the 1999 version.
According to Jake, what makes Air Jordans so popular is how rare they are, especially the earlier versions. The first Air Jordan came out in 1985, and the original price was $65. Since then, a new version of the Air Jordan sneakers has been released almost every year with a price increase.
In addition, Nike has also modified the design and colors of the shoes each year. For example, the Air Jordan XI, which was released in 1995, sold for $125, a $60 increase for the first version. The thing you notice, design differences include more neutral colors and no swoosh. The iconic Nike swoosh returned 11 years later on the Air Jordan XXXI but removed once again on the Jordan XXXII.
Another trend that is popular among teens is iPhones. According to the Verizon website, the first iPhone was introduced in 2007. It was especially popular because consumers liked the touch screen, the sleek design and new technology
According to Jonah R., a seventh grade student at KSDS, teens are addicted to phones because they have flashing lights colors, and moving images. Phones are very distracting too. Jonah thinks that teens favor the newest and most up-to-date phones, like the iPhone 11, 12 and 13, because they have the latest technology and run faster and smoother.
TikTok, Air Jordans and iPhones are all major trends among teens. Like all trends, these will come and go with time until the next big fad is introduced.
Lily M. is a seventh grade student at the Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
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