Trends seem to cycle faster than most individuals can keep up with. TikTok has had a strong influence on this process. Consumerism and trends have always been around, but the influence of TikTok has created an undeniable sense of urgency with purchasing. With the rapid shifts of a trend, I can’t help but wonder, what do I truly want?
Collectible blind boxes, lip products, and fashion pieces seem to be the main categories that tend to go “viral” on TikTok. From Labubu’s to Parke sweatshirts, TikTok has a unique ability to amplify these trends. As a consumer and follower of some of these trends, it’s honestly hard not to follow them myself. Algorithms take over quickly.
I recall being sick with bronchitis and watching Sonny Angel unboxing videos just for fun back in October. Suddenly, out of nowhere, my entire feed is showcasing these small trinkets. I had to see for myself, and after a few days I bought one. After I unboxed it, I was immediately disappointed and wondered why I spent my money on it.
The influence that the platform has on consumer behavior can be attributed to “scarcity marketing.” For example, with collector items like Sonny Angels and Labubus, the challenge draws you in. “Scarcity marketing” is meant to create a false sense of exclusivity, whether it’s understocking the items or only selling the “authentic” versions at certain locations. This naturally makes us want the item more as it becomes a “bragging right.”
An example of understocking items to make them seem “exclusive” would be the brand Parke. Parke is notorious for releasing small quantities of their drops, with some releases selling out in minutes. You see these sweatshirts out and about, you learn how fast they sell out, and suddenly you want one. I originally wanted to buy them all the way back in May, but held off. $140 is a very steep price tag for a sweatshirt.
Unfortunately, I did eventually cave. Unlike the Sonny Angels, I do not regret the purchase I made from Parke. I thought a bit more critically about this one and opted for a fun design that was exclusive as opposed to the brand’s regular logo.
The way trends move in 2026 on TikTok is fatiguing, truly. As someone who studies these strategies and used to fall for them, I’ve learned how to avoid buyer’s remorse. The first step is to realize that some things are trendy because they are actually good. The second step, which is a bit more complex, is to think about whether it would be used 5 years from now. Another tactic that I use instead of the second step is to hold off buying it for a few months. If you still like it, then go for it.
–April 7, 2026–
