Social Media Trends: The Place Where All Your Money Goes
Jimena Elizabeth Aguilar, Our Lady of Tepeyac High School, Freshman, Spring 2026
How many times in the past month, or week, have you purchased something from your favorite social media app? Or added something to your cart? Even if we don’t fully complete a purchase, just by adding a product to our cart is a way that social media is taking in our interest.
Without realizing it, many people in the United States let social media control their lives and what to buy. The majority of their money goes to trends. Research shows that a whopping 57% of millennials spent money they hadn't planned to spend because of what they saw on social media.(Community Bank, 2026) Technology and influencers are prevalent in 2026, with the temptation to use similar products shown to many. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, beauty, or food - trends are everywhere, and everything to some. Many rely on influencers to learn about products that might not be worth the cost. However, because an influencer said it's good, people buy it anyway. According to Civic Science, “[Gen Z] has increased their influencer-related purchases to 56% from 41% in 2023” (Civic Science, 2025), reflecting a change in influence. Everyone has different reasons to give in to a trend, whether it’s for work, school, or just personal reasons. Guadalupe Leon, 2nd grade bilingual teacher, says, “I wouldn't say I give in to all the trends, but I do enjoy following trends because I feel informed and updated. Conversations that are had at work or with friends sometimes surround social media, so it makes me feel included and able to engage in discussions.” Trends and social media often affect younger people, anywhere from ages 14-25, but they most often occur in high schoolers. English high school teacher Jasmine Chacon sees it often. “Social media is the reason why youth now are crumbling. It's horrible, I hate it. It should have more restrictions. Very dangerous; when you post something, it’s there forever. Trends to me are dumb; you're grown, it's embarrassing.” Chacon has also stated that it makes teenagers less responsible because trends are all they spend their money on.
Social media trends are fun to participate in here and there, but to constantly buy products can hurt your bank account. So have fun, but make sure to spend appropriately and remember that not all trends are worth participating in.
Guadalupe Leon - 2nd Grade Bilingual Teacher
Jasmine Chacon - English High School Teacher
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