It is widely believed that humans inherently emulate one another, with evidence being shown in the prevalence of fashion trends and consumer goods. From my perspective, I firmly agree with this tendency since consumer’s purchasing decisions are heavily dictated by a psychological need for social validation and the widespread influence of modern marketing.
First and foremost, prevailing trends in dressing is one of the most vivid proof for the emulation of human beings. Intrinsically, people, especially teenagers, are highly conscious of their appearance because they either have a fear of judgement or want to seek approval from others. With social media, copying one’s fashion styles seems much more common than ever before since celebrities often appear in trendy attire and sparkle accessories. This encourages teenagers to buy these items in search of resembling public figures, thereby showing their ability to keep up with the latest trends. For instance, G-Dragon, a famous Korean singer with surprising public appearances featuring fashionable garments and attention-grabbing dressing styles, has become a role model in fashion for many young people. This creates a massive imitation among his followers, who purchase similar items to mirror his aesthetic. In addition, the desire to fit in also reinforces the copycat behavior. To feel a sense of belonging in a group, particularly a sneaker community or even in a class, people often lean towards buying the same items to avoid social isolation.
Beyond fashion, copying one another also manifests in the consumption of everyday goods. In today’s marketing landscape, it is commonplace to come across online videos reviewing home appliances, personal items, or food, which draw a lot of viewers due to their popularity. For example, a livestream on TikTok hosted by a famous influencer advertising home appliances could attract thousands of real-time viewers and gain huge profits from deals. More importantly, this is not solely because online buyers value functionality, but they are also influenced by the host’s endorsement , buying the product in an attempt to emulate the influencer’s lifestyle.
In conclusion, copying culture of humans is obviously recognized through their emulation with fashionable clothes and consumer goods, with social media amplifying this tendency. Driven by the need for social acceptance and social platforms, consumers consistently shape their behavior based on their peers and idols.