
Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Trends: How do they start?
Mar 11, 2025
Sanden Totten, an expert on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, joins the discussion to unravel how trends begin and spread. He explains the role of early adopters and their influence on social phenomena, likening them to social media influencers. The hosts add humor with quirky ideas like 'fruit pants' while exploring how trends in animal behavior parallel human fads. Personal anecdotes and listener contributions highlight the playful nature of trendsetting, making it clear that trends shape connections and identities across cultures.
31:54
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Quick takeaways
- Trends emerge when individuals adopt new behaviors, inspiring others to follow through social connections and innovative ideas.
- The Diffusion of Innovation Theory illustrates how trends transition from niche interests to mainstream acceptance across different social groups.
Deep dives
Understanding Trends
Trends represent behaviors, styles, or activities that gain popularity among groups of people, often starting when one person adopts a new idea and inspires others to follow. A conversation between the hosts reveals how personal observations about trends can lead to broader discussions, such as the example of ruffled socks being popularized through social media. Notably, the episode highlights that trends can vary greatly in scale, from widespread fads like fidget spinners to more localized trends within schools. This duality illustrates the complexity of how trends emerge and evolve within different social environments.
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