Fads

You know what fads are. They're synonymous with popular trends; things that people, or rather groups of people, believe are some thing of worth that without, their social standings are somehow diminished.

What is it about our human need to feel like we belong to something, even if in the back of our minds we may (or may not) be aware and understand that this "thing" is going to be short-lived and another "thing" is going to be the thing to own, to do, to be like, and associate the self with.

From a business type of point of view, fads are an excellent way to sell products quickly to the masses. But that's not what we're here to discuss.

We're here to look at fads from a psychological point of view. These fads specifically are technology related (in some way, shape, or form even if not directly a tech item or good).

What tech related trends are the thing to be involved in lately?

World of WarCraft? Second Life?
FaceBook? MySpace? Twitter?
YouTube?
BlackBerry?

What are the things that you need to own or be a part of to be "cool"?

First, I would like to begin by emphasizing that none of this existed a few years ago. It's only recently that this technology boom really escalated to the point where these things are a necessity (seemingly) in our day to day lives.

Imagine what would happen if all of a sudden, none of these things existed tomorrow. People would probably freak out. It would be a mess.

Now, let's take a more purposeful insight into these fads and trends. Essentially, these are all OCTs (online communication tools). Why do we rely on them so much? Maybe it's because the real world seems a bit lacking or some is is of lesser importance in our everyday lives. But, none of us are willing to really admit that and these fads develop; in a sense to substitute and relieve ourselves of these feelings.

For all those who have a FaceBook account...Let's think about it. Why exactly did you join FaceBook? Personally, I created my FaceBook account before I went off to college in an attempt to have 1 way to communicate with people that I know of and went to school with. It was also a way for me to get into contact with people who I have not seen in quite some time.

To this day, I'm a bit surprised at how many "Friends" are listed under my FaceBook account. Are these really all my friends or are they more like acquaintances?

But there seems to be this sense of belonging as the number of "Friends" listed in my FaceBook account grows.

A pertinent article can be read at:

http://www.dailytexanonline.com/university/ut-s-psychology-department-studies-multiplayer-games-1.957105

It is a psychology study done on online multi-player games.

An interesting bit is a quote taken from the article that states...

"I think the main goal of the game is the socialization...That goal definitely applies to other people who play World of Warcraft."

On the outside, some may see this type of OCT as a game and only a game, as that is what World of WarCraft (and some others) are marketed as.

But what some fail to realize is the real life applications and values that can be derived from being involved with these OCTs.

Of course there is a potential for getting addicted as with any thing in life. Things happen and you get more involved in it and feel that you should spend more time with it.

Even then...I do feel that there is much value to be learned.

And with fads, there is also much value. We get a general overview of the things or subject matter that the individual has at least some interest in, and, the means by which the "fad" is done (be it in the form of a game, owning a certain item, being part of some group.

Clearly if there are so many fads and many members of such fad, we can't all be "wrong", now can we? As virtually all of us are or have followed a fad. To be labeled as "abnormally unique" would be something that would apply to everyone in a sense.

What do you think about this? Please comment below.