TikTok is flooded with trends, and for content creators, jumping on a trending wave is a surefire way to make it onto the coveted For You Page (FYP). Another tactic involves “plugging” or “influencing” their audience by showcasing products they can’t live without.
However, not all of these reviews are genuine. Some creators are offering their honest perspectives on TikTok trends by advising viewers on what not to buy.
What Exactly is the De-Influencing Trend on TikTok?
An open TikTok page displayed on an iPhone with a laptop in the background Whether it’s the latest Amazon gadget, becoming a fitness enthusiast, or romanticizing a picture-perfect lifestyle—influencers want you to follow suit. They create a sense of urgency to encourage you to do or purchase what they recommend.
Contrary to traditional influencing, the de-influencing trend takes a completely different approach. It’s an online movement led by creators who inform viewers about products to avoid and explain why. They also advocate for staying away from TikTok fads altogether. The objective is to help you save both time and money by refraining from purchasing unnecessary items and mimicking unrealistic lifestyles.
Why De-Influencing Is Trending on TikTok
Some authors believe that the TikTok influencer community promotes excessive consumption. In addition, there are an array (or greater) of influencers who deceive their followers by publishing false reviews of sponsored posts.
The authors who write de-influential content post real, unfiltered and honest reviews of products that are marketed as the top from other authors. Most of the time, they are skincare and make-up products. Certain of the items that are not influenced by the fashion industry might surprise you, particularly those that showcase cult-favorites from major brands.
For instance, in”the “de-influencing Dior” video below an influencer shares her “hot view” on Dior cosmetics. She claims that the best aspect of these products is their packaging, claiming the products “garbage”.
The trend that isn’t influencing the market is a strong call to TikTok users to spend less however there’s more to this than what’s obvious.
Why the De-Influencing Trend Is So Impactful
Since every video is ad or an attempt to become to the top of Google or TikTok this de-influencing fashion is an air fresh air. In previous years, TikTok differed from other social media platforms, such as Instagram as creators uploaded original content that resonated with users. As more creators migrate into TikTok from these platforms, they carry with them the consumer culture that the users are trying to stay away from.
The trend that is not influencing the market is similar to creators pressing reset buttons and urging users to slow down their purchases inspired by TikTok. They will share their product’s shortcomings to avoid you experiencing the same disappointment and sometimes loss, they experienced.
For instance, a designer has joined with other consumers who have criticized Olaplex product for their hair, calling it useless and an unnecessary expense. In the worst case scenario, some owners have claimed that the product caused damage or dryness to their hair.
According the NPR the report states that an estimated 30 women have filed a lawsuit in the name of Olaplex on February 20, 2023 asserting that their products cause hair loss, among other problems. In cases like this an TikTok user is able to view the video and decide whether or not they would like to risk using the products that are shown.
As of the writing time the hashtag #deinfluencing been able to accumulate more than 180 million impressions on TikTok This indicates people are keen on not influencing content. This is significant since it provides TikTok users a more balanced perception of topics and products.
Instead of going to Google to search for the hashtag, users can enter the hashtag #deinfluencing along with the pertinent subject or product into a TikTok search, and then see what other users comment on it. You’ll find videos, not only from regular creators but also from experts such as dermatologists, makeup artists personal trainers, dermatologists, and many others who offer their own professional opinions on popular products.
The trend of de-influencing is an indication that influencers can put sales over honesty. For example, the hashtag #mascaragate on TikTok showed the lengths some influencers will go in order to convince viewers to purchase the product they’re advertising.
The month of January, 2023. TikTok influential user Mikayla Nogueira was in the news for her supposed misleading review of a certain mascara. The creator was accused of using false lashes towards in the final part of her instructional video to overstate the effects of mascara.
This trend is, thus crucial to take care of your mental well-being by not exposing yourself to unreasonable expectations. You can, however, modify the settings of your TikTok FYP to meet your personal preferences.
In addition In addition, according the research of Exploding Topics the majority of TikTok users are between 10 to 19. It is a demographic that is easily influenced. Consumption-driven content can cause unhealthy expectations of lifestyles, which could negatively affect their mental well-being.
The De-Influencing Trend Balances the Scales on TikTok
TikTok is an excellent app to have fun but it could also create unhealthy habits. If a creator claims that you should use what they’re offering, take a moment to take a look at whether the product is actually needed in the larger picture. Make sure you do your own research prior to making any financial commitment.