In today’s fast-paced digital age, social media trends rise and fall faster than we can refresh our feeds, and ordinary items can transform into viral obsessions overnight. Matcha lattes, Labubus, and Dubai chocolate were three unlikely stars that took over social media this summer. But what started as seemingly harmless trends soon became all about possessing and flaunting. Whether it was bragging about being the only person with a 24-karat gold Labubu, hoarding matcha boxes, or turning Dubai chocolate into every dessert imaginable, one thing was obvious: social media took this to the next level. 

Winsor students are not immune to these trends. Students clip Labubus to their backpacks, sip on matcha lattes before class, and share Dubai chocolate bars across LOC tables. Ella Hahn ’28 loves matcha and drinks it “at least once every two days.” She is aware of the growing matcha shortage that is a direct result of the social media boom. As a result, she “tries to make [her] own matcha at home and is mindful of the amount of matcha powder used per cup.”  It’s important to remember that for many, these viral products were always something they loved. For instance, Hahn’s love for matcha started long before it became a trend. However, she points out that many people “drink matcha for the aesthetic of holding a matcha, instead of the actual flavor.” 

Mindlessly following an aesthetic, rather than having something one genuinely loves is a form of overconsumerism. Sophie Wang ’29 notes that Starbucks, in particular, has become a hallmark of trend-following or even peer pressure. She “sees a lot of Starbucks around campus daily” and mentions that “[she] kind of feels like [she] should get Starbucks too since everyone else gets it.” 

At Winsor, these trends show how easily small indulgences can turn into habits of overconsumption. While there’s nothing wrong with loving matcha, cute collectibles, or the occasional chocolate bar, the challenge is staying aware of why we consume. Remembering to enjoy what we actually like, instead of what’s popular, might be the best trend of all.