Every few weeks or months, Instagram finds a new way to make us all look the same while allowing each of us to feel individually “seen”. Before the 1980s trend, there was Studio Ghibli. Before that, some Disney character. And at some point, we were future, older versions of ourselves. I can’t keep track.Also Read: The viral 80s AI trend comes with a pricePerhaps the next trend can show us what we would look like during a climate disaster. But only if it removes my pores and gives me a snatched waist. Too dark?Anyway, they say: “It’s just a bit of fun.” “One photo won’t kill the planet.” “#HadToTryThis.” Did you, though?
Actor Sonakshi Sinha and husband Zaheer Iqbal hop on the ‘80s trend
Social media has turned our desire to be seen into a daily fight for views, reach and proof that we exist. And with a prompt that makes us look “great”? Well, the attraction is almost irresistible.It feels urgent because what if we do it three days later and Instagram might forget to “push” it to “our audience”. The trend also allows us to ask for attention without having to admit that we would like attention. The template provides plausible deniability for vanity.“Please look at me” becomes “Look what AI did!”
