The next time you find yourself absolutely needing a product after a doom-scroll, maybe take a moment to wonder if maybe it’s the algorithm talking. 

Marrakech – There I was, scrolling through TikTok, when I saw a trend that made me pause.

Not because it was particularly shocking or innovative, but because it felt a little… pointed. And by pointed I mean, directed towards me. 

You’ve seen it too: the perfectly curated aesthetics, the seemingly random product everyone suddenly must have, or even those viral catchphrases that seem harmless but stick in your head like a pop song from 2009. 

And I thought to myself: Are we just playing along for the fun of it, or is someone else pulling the strings?

TikTok trends, on the surface, are the digital age’s equivalent of a playground game — fast, fun, and fleeting. 

One day you’re dancing to a rhythm and the next, you’re tossing your life savings into a micro-needling serum because some creator said it changed her life. 

But peel back a layer, and you’ll find that the fun is often sprinkled with a little bit of strategy, marketing, and — dare I say it — agenda.

Let’s talk about those viral products. Remember the Stanley tumbler? The one that became the ultimate symbol of hydration chic? 

It wasn’t just the masses deciding it was cool. Somewhere, someone in marketing knew exactly how to plant the seed of obsession. 

A few targeted creator partnerships, a sprinkle of FOMO, and voilà — suddenly, you’re wondering how you survived without an oversized cup to carry water from the kitchen to the couch.

Then there are those hashtag challenges and viral sounds. They seem so organic, don’t they? Like they just popped into existence out of nowhere. 

But the truth is, brands and even political groups are quietly sliding into the TikTok space, creating content that nudges you toward their message. 

What better way to reach millions than through a platform where every second video feels like a personal recommendation from a friend?

Now, I’m not saying every trend is part of a grand conspiracy. Sometimes, people really just want to dance in matching outfits or share their skincare routines. 

But the line between organic fun and subtle influence is blurrier than a TikTok filter on a bad day.

So how do we navigate it? Here’s my advice: Have fun with the trends, but keep your eyes open and your brain alert when you are doom-scrolling. 

If you suddenly find yourself convinced you need something or feel a certain way, ask yourself: Is this really me, or is it the algorithm whispering in my ear?

At the end of the day, TikTok is like the chic-est, messiest digital cocktail party ever. 

Some guests are just here for a laugh, while others are working the room with business cards tucked into their trendy fanny packs. 

So sip the drink, join the dance, but remember — when it comes to trends, being real starts with being aware.