Do You Actually Like That, or Did Instagram Make You?
- Raemona
- 2d
- 5 min read
Ever bought something, a dress, a bag, a pair of shoes, that completely clashed with your usual taste? You swore you’d never be the type to wear micro sunglasses or fill your home with bouclé furniture, yet here you are. And why? Because it looked so good on Instagram?
There was a time when our personal tastes were shaped by family traditions, magazines, or even a spontaneous discovery at a local café. Now? The algorithm has entered the chat. Instagram feeds dictate what we eat, wear, and even how we travel. But how much of our taste is actually ours, and how much is just a product of the doom scroll?
The Algorithm Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself?
The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic; dewy skin, slicked-back hair, gold hoops, and minimalistic everything, took over Instagram so seamlessly that it became the blueprint for an entire generation of wardrobes. But if you strip away the influence of your For You Page, would you still reach for that linen co-ord, or would you be more drawn to something entirely different? Because personally, this millennial still wants to wear her skinny jeans and rock a side part, even if the latest trend insists on middle parts and treats skinny jeans like a fashion crime.
It’s hard to scroll through social media without being bombarded by carefully curated posts, from viral food trends to the latest “it bag”. We don’t just consume these images passively; they shape our perception of what’s desirable. Seeing copious posts about certain foods frequently can actually change our own eating habits and when something is presented as aspirational whether it’s a morning matcha latte, an exclusive vacation spot, or a specific aesthetic, it’s easy to start believing we need it, too.
The Instagram Effect: Aesthetic Over Authenticity
Speaking of matcha. Five years ago, it was a niche drink reserved for health enthusiasts and those who had been to Japan. Today, it’s practically a personality trait. The moment a perfectly frothed cloud matcha latte, nestled in a well-lit café, starts popping up on your feed, you suddenly find yourself craving it. But do you genuinely prefer it over your go-to cappuccino, or is it just more photogenic?
Then there’s food. Think about good old breakfast. It used to be cereal or toast. Simple, no fuss, no filters. Then along came Instagram, and suddenly, breakfast had to be photogenic. Avocado toast became a sensation, not because the world collectively decided it was the best breakfast option, but because it looked good on camera. Aesthetic first, taste later and sometimes no taste at all. Talk about your Click-Plate. Ba-dum-tsss!
Do You Want It, or Do You Want to Be Seen With It?
A while ago, I came across something (on Instagram, of all places) that hit a little too close to home: “Do you actually want it, or do you just want others to see you having it?” Ironic, right?If I’m honest, I’ve fallen into that trap more times than I’d like to admit.
I love being a homebody, snuggled up with my four cats (crazy cat lady alert!), true crime podcasts playing in the background (umm, deranged lady alert?), completely lost in my own little world. That, to me, is a perfect day but sure enough the moment I open Instagram and see my friends (and my friends’ friends… and their second cousins) out at trendy restaurants, paddle courts, or making the most of UAE’s short-lived pleasant weather , I suddenly feel like I should be doing something. It’s not that I actually want to go out, but the fear of missing out kicks in. I feel like I need to post something, some feeble proof that I have a life outside my couch.
// The Trend Cycle Is on Over Drive
Trends have always existed, but social media has put them on fast-forward. What used to take years to filter down from high fashion to everyday style now happens in weeks, if not days. Micro-trends; think Hermès slippers, acrylic nails, and Stanley cups, burn bright and fade fast.
It’s a cycle that feels relentless: the more we engage with a trend, the more we’re shown it, leaving us in a loop of rapid consumption, constantly buying, trying, and discarding trends just as quickly as they appear.
The rise of ‘de-influencing,’ where content creators now tell us what not to buy, is proof that even influencers are exhausted by the pressure to keep up. In a world that often feels like it’s spinning faster than we can keep up with, the allure of stepping back (very mindful, very demure) has never been stronger.
// The “Instagram vs. Reality” Wake-Up Call
Ever planned a vacation based on aesthetic travel photos, only to find the reality wasn’t nearly as dreamy? That’s the power of Instagram. It’s not just that we want to experience things, we want to experience them in a way that looks good online.
But when we let social media dictate our choices, we risk chasing a life that looks better than it actually feels. Even our travel choices are curated by social media. Destinations like Maldives, Japan and Korea have become social media meccas, with certain ‘must-take’ photo spots creating an almost pilgrimage-like tourism experience. It’s not just about where we go, but how we travel. Gone are the days of messy, spontaneous vacations. Now, it’s about matching neutral luggage sets, aesthetically pleasing airport fits, and booking hotels with interiors that double as content opportunities. The pressure to make a trip ‘Instagrammable’ is real, but is it actually making travel more enjoyable?
// Reclaiming Your Taste
So how do we separate genuine preference from algorithm-fed influence? Start by questioning your impulses. If a new trend catches your eye, ask yourself: Do I actually like this, or have I just seen it 100 times this week? Try stepping away from social media for a bit and see what styles, foods, or destinations you’re naturally drawn to without the constant influx of curated content.
Engage in offline experiences. Visit a bookstore and pick up a title without consulting a trending ‘must-read’ list. Wander into a boutique and choose something that speaks to you, not something you saw on a celebrity. Go to a restaurant and order what sounds good, not just what’s viral online. The more we step away from curated feeds, the more we can reconnect with what actually brings us joy.
// The Bottom Line
There’s nothing wrong with discovering new things through Instagram, after all, inspiration has to come from somewhere. But if everything you love happens to align perfectly with what’s trending, it might be time to reassess. Personal style, taste, and preferences should feel like a reflection of you, not just an echo of the algorithm.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for something because it’s ‘everywhere,’ pause and ask: Do I actually like this, or did Instagram make me?
