I think we’d all be lying if we said we have not been persuaded to buy something from an ad or a video on the internet. On social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, ads are no stranger, but TikTok advertises in a different way.
Of course, while scrolling through the app, you might receive an ad or two, but most of the time it is simply videos recommended for you. Due to this, a lot of the advertisements are paid promotions from influencers. You may see popular content creators like Meredith Duxbury raving about a new concealer from Tarte or Mikayla Nogueira reviewing the newest foundation from Maybelline.
However, when these are paid partnerships, you cannot trust that these influencers are giving you the most honest of reviews — that is why “de-influencing” has become TikTok’s newest trend. De-influencing is a trend where people essentially tell you what is not worth buying despite all of its hype.
Among this list of items are products like the Stanley Cup, a portable drink tumbler, and the newest blush from Dior. Those who are posting these videos are making the point that these products are not worth your money, whether it be because they are not actually as good as they seem or because you can get something just like it for cheaper.
At first, I thought this trend was stupid because do we have to make up a word for everything? Why not just say the product is bad instead of making it this huge trend? However, upon further research, I actually think it is a positive trend.
User @missbaebu wrote on Twitter, “i love the deinfluencing trend going around on tiktok like YES pls tell me that i don’t need things!!!! make me SAVE!!!!!” This is exactly what I think too because most name-brand products are either really expensive or just not necessary in my daily life.
Take a product like the SKIMS sculpting bodysuit, which retails for $62. People are loving this product for its shapewear, support and material. But there is a whole Amazon page dedicated to SKIMS dupes with bodysuits that feel the same and do the same job for around $30-40 less.
Someone might not have wanted the SKIMS bodysuit to begin with, but after seeing a ‘de-influencing’ video where a creator raves about its much less expensive dupe, they might treat themselves to an Amazon shopping spree.
The problem with this is that instead of purchasing from a brand where you know the money is going to a certain person, like Kim Kardashian with SKIMS for example, people will be sending money to fast-fashion companies like Forever 21 or Fashion Nova.
There are several sides to this trend, but I support it. I know I used to love Jeffree Stars’ honest reviews, so why not watch a few other honest ones so I can save my money? It is also a good technique to stop yourself from purchasing that new “hit” mascara or bronzer when you know you have perfectly good ones sitting at home. I hope the de-influencing trend stays relevant through the season, but with TikTok, trends come and go before you know it.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Pixabay, Pexels
