Over the past decade, social media has taken over our lives, and is growing to possess a certain compulsion over society. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Pinterest are the pillars of current trends and lifestyles. As a part of one of the most influential, as well as easily influenced generations, it can be said that our society stems from the trends we see on social media, in particular TikTok has greatly influenced society. From populazing books and songs, sharing clothing inspiration, suggesting movies and tv shows, and updating the community on current news- social media contains all things entertainment.

Just from opening an app on your phone, you can access the most recent trends in a blink of an eye. By focusing on just one social media platform, for instance TikTok, I am able to observe certain patterns present throughout it that explains its popularity. TikTok is an app where users are able to post videos which can then appear on one’s personalized “For You Page”. Something unique about TikTok is that each page and perspective is unique to the user. The types of videos that one may come across on TikTok includes routines, movie reviews, current events, celebrity drama, etc; the list is endless as new content is constantly being generated at each refresh of the feed. One of the greatest effects social media has on people’s lives is the establishment and popularization of trends as a result of the users’ ability to post videos and information within seconds. People are able to come across the most recent trends quickly and easily share these videos with other users, which in turn generates more popularity. People from across the globe could share their input with you through comments and communicating through fifteen seconds to three minute long videos. Not only has social media shined light on all different types of people and their own influences but social media has also created a whole other world with new micro influencers. Influencers work for a living by creating content and sharing their personal lives on social media for the entertainment of their followers. Additionally, these individuals promote brands they are partnered with in hopes of influencing their following to buy a product.

 This concept of sharing your whole life on social media is one of the main reasons why society is so easily influenced today. With the growing effects of social media, society transformed immensely since twenty years ago. Not only is social media present in Generation Z but many Millennials are also active users of social media. Only the future knows the societal impacts that the expansion of social media will bring ten to twenty years from now.