Social Media Algorithms Drive Demand for “Infantile” Trends, Fueling Real-World Experiences
NEW YORK – A growing trend of viral products and experiences – from collectible toys like Labubus to matcha lattes and extravagant Dubai-imported chocolate – is being fueled by social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement, according to recent analysis.Experts suggest this phenomenon reflects a desire to reconcile online and offline lives, even as it raises concerns about the “infantilization of adults.”
The core issue, as outlined in discussions wiht cultural observers, is the speed at which social media demands reaction. “You sort of lose your capacity to use some of your more mature emotional skills to limit your reactions, because you get, sort of, a split second to react to things,” one expert explained. This rapid-fire habitat favors highly stimulating content - visually colorful, outrageously presented, or intensely appealing – as these elements drive user interaction and time spent on platforms.
Consequently, items marketed with maximal stimulation, ofen resembling products geared towards children, perform exceptionally well.”That is why stuff on social media tends to do the best if it’s highly stimulating – if it’s colorful, or incredibly delicious looking, or outrageous, or maddening, or offensive,” the expert stated. “These are the sort of emotional reactions that the algorithmic social media values, because they stoke engagement, they increase people’s time on the platforms.”
However, the trend isn’t solely about online consumption. Amanda, a cultural commentator, noted the persistence of these viral trends indicates a deeper need for tangible experiences. ”these are all, by and large, these are all objects, or things, or experiences that you need to get up and leave your house and go have. They are things that exist in physical reality.”
This drive to translate online trends into real-world activities represents an attempt to bridge the gap between digital and physical life. “people want to reconcile their online lives with their offline lives. Those are not realy separate anymore,” Amanda explained. “Viral objects are a way for people to emotionally, intellectually, bridge that gap that they are constantly straddling. It’s like a consensus experience.”
While acknowledging concerns about the “infantilization of adults,” experts suggest the desire for shared, physical experiences is ultimately positive. “People still want a little bit of consensus reality…People aren’t fully satisfied just with seeing things online and participating online,” Amanda concluded. “I think that any indicator that we have that people want to have normal, physical, social experiences with each other is probably a good one.”
