In today’s world, there is a common belief that the young are placing too much importance on fashion even though it benefits neither society as a whole nor its people. From my standpoint, fashion has been emphasised a bit too heavily by youngsters these days, and the negative effects on people and society are evident.
One reason for the overly strong emphasis on fashion is that society’s current views on clothing and appearance has significantly affected how individuals look after themselves. As people nowadays tend to judge others based on their look, they feel a stronger need to properly present themselves when being outside. This is especially true for teenagers, who are often easily influenced by their peers and eager to prove themselves and their public images. Furthermore, the youth have always been a potential target audience for the fashion industry. They are avid shoppers who are easily tempted into purchasing the latest items, hence why many fashion brands and clothing companies have been directing at them for years. For this reason, it is little wonder that young people have also taken a liking to fashion, and such a trend is not likely to disappear anytime soon.
The social impact of this situation can be concerning. For one, the modern world has already given clothing and appearance too much value, which has put those from unfavourable social backgrounds in a difficult situation. Should this situation not be curbed, relationships can be harmed, and social barriers cannot break down easily. On a broader scale, the fashion industry contributes to environmental problems as it promotes overconsumption and creates massive amounts of waste. Young people, influenced by constantly changing trends, often buy and discard clothes quickly, which will undoubtedly worsen this issue.
To conclude, I contend that fashion has been given too much attention by young individuals because of societal opinions and the current fashion industry. Its negative effects on society, mostly serious harm to social relationships and the environment, are worth considering.