Allie's Observation Journal

Insight: Owning an iPhone has become so normalized that it feels less like a luxury and more like a social expectation.  Background: Through the years, I'm sure as many of us have noticed that the majority of the population are iPhone users, and we can easily say that has become the social standard despite the high ticket price. I can still remember getting my first iPhone in probably the fourth grade, and now that I really think about it, that really is crazy. This luxury item has become less of a splurge and more of an expectation as we have been accustomed to features like Facetime, AirDrop, iMessage, etc., and even began serving some level of judgment when we see the text turn green on our phones. This whole concept stands out to me because, through the years, Apple has created a culture where having an iPhone feels tied to fitting in and our social status, rather than just having a phone. 

Insight: Trends move so quickly that brands constantly replace each other as the new “it” brand, even when they sell almost the exact same products. Background: I noticed this with the shift from Lululemon to Alo becoming more popular recently, especially on social media and college campuses. For years, Lululemon was seen as the go-to activewear brand, and almost everyone wanted to wear it. I can still remember receiving my first pair of Lulu leggings and thinking how cool they were.  Now, Alo feels newer, trendier, and more connected to influencer culture, causing a lot of people to switch brands even though the clothing is very similar. Despite the similarity, Alo seems to even sit at a higher price point than Lulu Lemon from what I have seen. This stood out to me because it shows how much branding and social media influence what people think is cool at a certain moment. It made me realize how trends are less about the actual product and more about what feels culturally relevant ...

Insight: People often care more about how aesthetically pleasing or Instagrammable a restaurant looks than about the actual quality of the menu or food, signaling how much social media now influences our everyday experiences.  Background: I noticed the idea of this when browsing restaurants for a reservation on OpenTable, as many of the listings first featured the interior of the restaurant, rather than highlighting any of their menu. I myself am guilty of this (as seen above, one of the restaurants I visited during the holiday season). It seems today places with trendy decor and colorful drinks (ex. the soft-serve margarita trend) are the things we gravitate to and what takes the spotlight on social media.  Many times myself I find myself gravitating towards restaurants that are considered to be aesthetic rather than focusing on the quality of the food on the menu. I think this whole idea leads to a much larger idea than just one's choice of dining, but represents that consum...

  Insight: Political ideas and messaging have been increasingly tied to fashion, turning clothing and accessories into ways for people to express identity and cultural affiliation.  Background: Recently, on campus, I have seen an emergence of the "Mustangs Are Great Again" hats, and they quickly became one of the most recognizable and best-selling hats on campus. When you see these hats, it is clear they are referencing a political campaign, yet many students wear them simply because they are trendy and socially recognizable.  This idea stood out to me because it shows the idea that political language has become so embedded in pop culture that it now functions as fashion and branding. While the Mustang hat is just one example of this, it has become an increasingly popular fashion trend that brands are capitalizing on in recent years. I have found this especially prominent in the South as people use clothing to communicate their identity without explicitly discussing polit...

Insight: Social media and modern marketing have normalized impulse spending have normalized impulsive spending by framing purchases as forms of self-care or emotional rewards. Background: I noticed this through a TikTok trend that says something along the lines of, “we really needed this,” despite “literally never depriving themselves of anything in their lives.” The humor stood out to me because it reflects how often people online frame vacations, shopping, expensive coffee, and other luxuries as necessities or deserved rewards. I will say I myself am guilty of this attitude on both small and big scales, whether it be a new clothing item or just a nightly sweet treat. Social media frequently encourages the idea that constantly treating yourself is part of maintaining happiness and wellness, even when the behavior is excessive or unrealistic. This trend also makes overconsumption seem relatable and funny rather than financially irresponsible. It made me think about how internet culture...

 Insight: Fashion trends are constantly recycled. The styles that were once considered outdated often return years later as popular and desirable again. Background: This is something that I have been particularly hyper aware of recently through the return of particular trends, such as capri pants (which is one of the reemerging trends I am still not so sure I can get behind) or flip-flops becoming stylish again. These are just two of the trends associated with early 2000s fashion that have been making an appearance in the last few months. Growing up, my mom would always tell me how things that were popular when she was a kid would always come back, and now that I am in my early 20s, I have begun to realize she was exactly right. This particularly stands out to me because I feel like so many things I was once found undesirable are now at the forefront of fashion as trends are reintroduced to younger generations. I have even caught myself saying more times than I can count, "Wow, if...