My Inquiry question this semester is, “Where has true originality and individuality gone; is our society slowly losing authenticity with the constant urge to follow trends?” I look forward to discovering more about this complex topic over the next couple of months!
Research Step 1: What impact has the invention of social media platforms had on the concept of individuality, and are people starting to mirror the actions/images of others contributing to a dull society?
The invention of social media has been profound and evolutionary in terms of impacting the population; especially in terms of hindering one’s sense of individuality. Due to the widespread usage of social media platforms, many find themselves comparing certain aspects of their lives to others although they often forget that social media is a highlight reel of one’s life. As the growth of social media continues to increase at rapid rates, it is vital to ensure that users find inspiration when it comes to trends such as fashion rather than a model to copy directly. During my first round of research, I will discover how much of an impact social media has on rates of individuality and research to find studies on whether the various platforms have indeed made a drastic change in behaviours.
Research Step 2: How does our society define admirable attributes in one’s nature and do authentic people receive the recognition they deserve?
This second sub-question is very interesting to learn more about, particularly in the sense of the world we live in today, which is ever-changing. I want to know what our society defines as an admirable attribute when it comes down to observing others with the concept of fashion/attitudes in mind. In addition, I’m curious to know whether we can distinctively notice an individual who has an aspirational sense of living, being authentic in a world that is lacking that characteristic. Shedding light on the topic of trendsetters vs. trend followers vs. trend disruptors will give me more insight on how these three dynamic roles share a part when considering the complex topic of originality. I’m excited to dissect this subject matter during the course of the next few months to get a better perception of the role our society has on individuality.
Research Step 3: What can we do to combat the normalization of following trends; can we gain the confidence to create artwork rather than imitate it?
This will be my final and concluding sub-question. Viewing trends nowadays is perceived as normal and almost routinely. Whether you’re looking for a new summer top or pair of shoes, millions of people have seemed to share their perspective on what the best products in the market are. Naturally, it is beneficial to listen to the viewpoint of others because it narrows down the list of the best products available. Although, we seem to forget to draw a line through inspiration and copying a model directly. Due to the vast normalization of things, it slowly becomes difficult to create new ideas when fostering the same attitudes as others is the norm. The final round of research I will conduct will break the barrier of carefully analyzing human behaviours and the growing influence the media has over us. The findings will lead me to the most challenging question to answer yet, looking into people who are capable of breaking the routine cycle. Can we gain the confidence to create artwork rather than imitate it?
These three sub-topic questions provide me with more information for my overall Inquiry question as they allow me to dive deeper within this subject-matter.
Thank you very much for reading my blog post! I hope you obtained some new information.
-Vanessa Vukovic
Sources:
(1) Coen, M. (n.d.). Lost in the crowd: The rise of social media and the loss of individualism. Hi’s Eye. https://hiseye.org/10988/his-eye/opinion/lost-in-the-crowd-the-rise-of-social-media-and-the-loss-of-individualism/
(2) Maye, S. (2025, January 9). The loss of individuality: How technology and trends are erasing our unique selves. Beeline Blessings. https://www.beelineblessings.com/blog/the-loss-of-individuality-how-technology-and-fashion-trends-have-altered-our-sense-of-self
(3) Main. (2025, October 4). Why Is Individuality Important for Personal and Societal Growth? – ExplainThat. ExplainThat. https://explainthat.org/why-is-individuality-important-for-personal-and-societal-growth/
(4) Death of the Originality: the shift in creativity. (2025, July 18). https://typelish.com/@rabiaatug/death-of-the-originality-the-shift-in-creativity
(5) The death of originality. (2025, November 18). The Johns Hopkins News-Letter. https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2025/11/the-death-of-originality
