The Sleepover Club: Is Deinfluencing Going to Save Us All? Or Is It Just Consumerism In Disguise?
Feb 13, 2023
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The conversation dives into the trend of deinfluencing, where influencers tell us what not to buy, challenging consumerism. The hosts critique how social media shapes our buying habits and pressure to conform to trends. They explore the authenticity of deinfluencing amidst aggressive marketing tactics and consumer fatigue. Personal anecdotes illuminate the struggles with overhyped products, while discussions highlight the need for a more mindful approach to purchasing. Laughter and frustration blend as they navigate the complexities of modern shopping culture.
De-influencing encourages consumers to critically assess and rethink their purchases, promoting a shift from overconsumption to mindful consumption.
The trend highlights the complex relationship between influencer marketing and consumer behavior, illustrating the challenge of navigating authenticity in online opinions.
Deep dives
Understanding De-Influencing
De-influencing is emerging as a trend focused on encouraging consumers to reconsider their purchases by providing honest critiques of overhyped products. It rebrands the concept of honest reviews, suggesting that not every popular item is necessary and advocating for a more thoughtful approach to consumption. The trend aims to challenge the culture of blind buying, urging audiences to stop overconsumption driven by trends on platforms such as TikTok. This movement highlights the significance of looking beyond influencer marketing and recognizing when products are not meeting expectations.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are increasingly becoming driven by commerce, which complicates the de-influencing dialogue. Influencers often promote products for immediate engagement, regardless of the item's actual value or quality, creating a cycle of consumerism based on trends rather than necessity. The podcast discusses the impact of this environment on consumer behavior, where platforms prioritize advertising over genuine content. This scenario produces feelings of dissatisfaction among consumers, as they struggle to navigate the overwhelming amount of advice and targeted advertisements.
Cultural Pressure and Consumer Behavior
There exists a societal tendency to follow trends and purchase items simply because they are popular, which can lead to consumer fatigue and regret. The discussion draws on shared experiences of wanting items due to peer influence, revealing how trends can shape buying decisions and perpetuate a mindset of overconsumption. The example of past trending products, such as specialized water bottles and trendy clothing, illustrates how easily people can fall prey to marketing tactics. Acknowledging this cultural pressure, the hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking when it comes to consumer choices.
The Complexity of Honest Reviews
While de-influencing aims to provide genuine recommendations against impulse buying, this movement raises questions about the inherent value of opinions shared online. The hosts critique the notion of individuals being ‘de-influencers,’ who may not recognize their own influence on their audience's consumption patterns. They highlight a paradox in the trend, as those providing these critiques can often still benefit from the attention garnered by promoting or dissuading products. This leads to a consideration of how honesty in advertising could blur with personal biases and remains a challenge for consumers seeking true authenticity.
No longer is it enough for people on the internet to tell us what to buy, they've decided they have to tell us what not to buy, too. Like a consumerist superhero; influencers are trending for telling us the dyson air wrap is a waste of money, or that viral skirt you really want is actually uncomfortable. But are these internet personalities doing important work in turning us off these products, or are they just wise to the fact over-consumption is no longer trendy?
This week Eden and Ione are discussing how we got to this moment, as well as examining the recent history of how our spending habits have been changed and influenced by those around us.
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