The "New" Trends That Keep Us Hooked—And How Long They Last

Every season brings something “new,” whether it’s a quirky style, the latest series everyone’s binge-watching, or the hottest superfood to hit our grocery shelves. Trends come and go at lightning speed, feeding our need for the next best thing, but what happens when they fizzle out just as fast as they appear? Let’s take a closer look at why we’re drawn to these fleeting moments of novelty and what it says about our craving for change.
Trends today move faster than ever, constantly shifting from one to the next. Each month, something new grabs our attention, only to be replaced quickly. This happens because everything is so easy to access now, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest making ideas go viral in an instant. With constant inspiration just a tap away, we’re always chasing the next trend, rarely pausing to appreciate the one we’re in.
The arrival of trends is often fleeting, with their impact fading just as rapidly. Fashion and food have given us all that one fascination which we couldn't get enough of, but which eventually became unused and forgotten within a few months. Why do we carry out this practice? Why do we so readily abandon the new in favor of something else?
Fashion today resembles a fast-moving carousel, with new trends emerging monthly. One moment, high-waisted jeans are in, and the next, low-rise styles return. Oversized blazers and "dad shoes" have also come and gone, as designers reinterpret past styles to keep us engaged. While exploring new looks can be fun, the excitement fades once a trend becomes mainstream, leaving us eager for the next big thing. Fast fashion fuels this cycle, filling our wardrobes with items often worn just once.
Just like fashion, entertainment trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Remember when "Game of Thrones" or "Squid Game" were huge? People couldn’t stop talking about them, then suddenly, we moved on to the next big show. Streaming platforms know how to keep us hooked, constantly releasing new content. But with so many options, we rarely have time to fully enjoy one show before jumping to the next. The rush for new thrills often means we don’t get to savor the stories we just watched.
Food trends have their own cycle of rapid change. One minute it’s all about avocado toast, the next it’s oat milk lattes, and then it’s chia seed pudding. We’re constantly chasing the next “healthy” trend or Instagram-worthy dish, but jumping from one food fad to the next can make it hard to form a healthy, consistent eating routine. While it’s fun to try new ingredients, constantly shifting from one “superfood” to the next can leave us more stressed than nourished.
What drives our relentless pursuit of one trend after another? The answer lies in our attraction to novelty. Psychological studies indicate that new experiences stimulate the release of dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter in our brains. This explains our excitement for emerging trends; however, once something becomes too familiar, the initial excitement diminishes. This isn't indicative of any personal flaw; it's simply part of human nature. Recognizing this can encourage us to pause and appreciate the elements of our lives that already bring us happiness, rather than perpetually chasing the next big thing.
The chase after new trends can be exhilarating, but the source of lasting happiness lies in things that remain unchanged. Instead of jumping from one fad to the next, take a moment to appreciate the things that bring you consistent joy—whether it’s a classic outfit, your go-to comfort food, or a TV show you love watching over and over.These lasting pleasures can give you a deeper sense of satisfaction, offering more fulfillment than the fleeting thrill of the latest craze.