"The struggle for Authenticity in the Age of Aesthetics"
"The struggle for Authenticity in the Age of Aesthetics"
By Elly Holmes
Are we losing ourselves to the age of social media?
In a world consumed by social media and frequent comparisons to our counterparts, it can readily be said we are constantly partaking in an internal battle between authentic expression and conformity.
This is not least helped by the ever-emerging microtrends bolstered by platforms such as TikTok, which only serve to make us feel inadequate in our self-expression - both through our fashion choices and even our demeanour. After all, surely not every trend is meant for everyone. This may controversially extend to include sweeping trends such as ‘brat summer’, which subsequently give way to newer trends, but in their prime have people, including myself, trying their hardest to participate even if it is not compatible with who they truly are. Let’s be honest, how many people were actually having a so-called ‘brat summer’?
The scramble to be ‘on-trend’ and current, while arguably a reflection of the consumerist society we live in, is ultimately counterproductive to our well-being when we are constantly dissatisfied with ourselves. Realistically, do I need to spend an ungodly amount on new clothes just to feel temporarily good about myself? Maybe, but probably not.
Despite my headstrong opinion on the topic of authenticity, I have and will hold my hands up and admit I am far from authentic. While I may criticise the matter, I am just as guilty of being influenced by the ‘Cool Girl’ TikToker and jumping at the possibility of pursuing yet another trend, which in a matter of weeks or months will be supposedly ‘basic’, ‘cringe’, or ultimately forgotten. When a trend becomes oversubscribed, it will ultimately reach this fate.
However, this is not to say that everyone is so easily influenced. And even if they are what is so wrong with taking inspiration or being influenced by others? Both criticisms I would agree with. My struggle comes with the opinion that constantly changing yourself to fit a trend, only to change again a week later is surely draining. It is frankly an unhappy and inauthentic life to live if it is lived via another person’s social media footprint and how they choose to present themselves, additionally giving in to fast fashion and overconsumption just to achieve this goal.
My ultimate takeaway from such a discussion would be the potential for a shift in the right direction towards authenticity, considering the motivation behind our actions rather than letting our egos make decisions for us. In my opinion, authenticity is timeless and far more satisfactory than short-lived trends. But who am I to influence you?
