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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.

If you’re a chronic Tik Tok user like me, you may have seen the trend of “de-influencing” going around. What is it you ask? “De-influencing” is Tik Tok’s response against hyper consumerism. As we are approaching a recession, users are getting tired of the endless swarm of products being heavily promoted by influencers. Every day there’s a new trend or product that is a “must have” that is conveniently accessible through influencers’ affiliate links. Influencer marketing is different from traditional methods of marketing in that it seeps into our consumption of regular content. Sponsored ads slyly make their way into our Tik Tok and Instagram feeds to dupe us into thinking that we need the newest clothes, makeup, skincare, and more. It promotes an unhealthy lifestyle, and at times, convinces us that we need solutions to problems we didn’t even know we had in the first place (seriously, what is “strawberry legs”?). So what’s the solution? De-influencing, the newest trend to stop following trends.

Want to incorporate “de-influencing” into your lifestyle this year? Here is an actionable list of steps that you can take to live more sustainably. 

  1. Before buying something, check if you have a similar item on hand.
    • You do not need 10 different mascaras. They all serve one function. 
  2. Ask yourself “do I really want this? Or do I just want to be part of the trend?”
    • In the age of microtrends, there is little to no point in keeping up with fads. There will be a new trend tomorrow.
    • Ask yourself, “will I continue to use this product after the hype passes?” If your answer is no, think twice before purchasing.
  3. Focus on cultivating your own style.
    • You are less likely to buy unnecessary items if you have a strong sense of what your tastes and preferences are. Trends come and go, but your unique style is timeless!
Rima Irfan is the Treasurer of the Her Campus Chapter at UVA. As Treasurer, she oversees the club finances and directs merchandise sales. She is also on the writing and social media team. She enjoys writing about different topics, from lifestyle to the creator economy. In addition to Her Campus, she is also involved in the Transfer Advisory Board on the Marketing Committee, where she brainstorms events for transfer students at UVA and creates promotional materials. She is also active in My Sister's Keeper and helps with mentoring POC girls in the local Charlottesville ares. She has also been working to revitalize Friends of Appalachia, a CIO focused on building community for students from the Appalachian region. She is currently in her third year studying History with a concentration in Capitalism and Economic Life. In her free time, you can find her creating new playlists, having impromptu dance parties with said playlists, and whipping up new recipes in her college apartment. She has a special interest in elevating and empowering women in business spaces and is excited to write for Her Campus this year!