The Transformation of Fashion Expression in the Social Media Era

Abstract

The rise of social media has fundamentally transformed fashion expression, shifting from a traditionally elite-driven model to a user-generated and community-driven culture. Algorithmic recommendations, visual engagement, and influencer marketing have contributed to the emergence of the "seeding economy" and "persona-driven consumption," where fashion trends spread rapidly through digital platforms. This shift has significantly influenced young consumers' fashion choices, encouraging them to engage with trends in new ways. However, it has also given rise to issues such as fast fashion, aesthetic homogenization, and consumption anxiety, as individuals feel pressured to keep up with rapidly changing trends. Moreover, the "filtered culture" of social media reinforces identity dilemmas, where users seek self-expression while simultaneously conforming to standardized beauty ideals. This article mainly discusses, against this backdrop, how people's fashion expressions on social media shape and influence identity, as well as how social media promotes fashion consumption.