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.
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.
The Diffusion of Innovation Theory
The Diffusion of Innovation Theory outlines the stages through which trends develop and gain traction among the populace. Initial innovators create a new idea, which is then adopted by early adopters who help to spread the trend further. The theory describes a sequence where innovators introduce trends, early adopters popularize them, followed by the early majority, late majority, and finally laggards who adopt them last. This framework sheds light on how certain behaviors can shift from niche interests to mainstream acceptance, revealing the societal patterns of trend adoption.
The Social Impact of Trends
Trends serve as a medium for social connection, allowing individuals to bond over common interests and fostering communities around shared behaviors. Following a trend can unite people, as seen where fans of a particular artist wear specific styles to identify with each other. However, trends also have potential downsides, creating pressure to conform, which may lead to feelings of exclusion for those who don't participate. Moreover, trends can prompt consumerism and waste, emphasizing the importance of mindful engagement with trends for both individual well-being and environmental sustainability.
Collecting Pokémon cards. Trading friendship bracelets. Painting your nails black. All these things have been trendyat some point, somewhere. But how did they become cool? And who made them popular?
Join Molly and co-host Harlynn as they explore the fussy and fabulous world of trends. Sanden will reveal how trends start and spread throughout a population—and why beige wallpaper it out and mocha mousse brown is IN! They’ll also learn about trends in animal populations like orca whales and chimpanzees. To top things off, Marc will start a fad by accident: fruit pants! (Yes, they’re literally pants with dried fruit stuck to them.) Plus, a super cool mystery sound.
Today’s episode is sponsored by:
Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job credit
Experience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.
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