‘De-influence my wishlist’ trend urges consumers to rethink their purchases – The Independent Florida Alligator

Report on the “De-Influence My Wishlist” Trend and Its Impact on Sustainable Consumption

Introduction

In the contemporary digital marketplace, many online shoppers frequently have items lingering in their carts or wishlists, ranging from trending skincare products to limited-edition shoes and innovative gadgets. This consumer behavior is deeply embedded in modern culture, where purchasing is often a means of expressing identity, status, and belonging. However, a new social media movement is encouraging consumers to reconsider impulsive buying habits, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on responsible consumption and production.

The “De-Influence My Wishlist” Trend on TikTok

The TikTok trend titled “De-influence my wishlist” promotes honest peer reviews rather than traditional product promotion. Unlike typical influencer content that encourages purchases, this trend urges users to provide candid feedback on items in others’ wishlists, helping consumers make more informed decisions.

• The trend addresses the saturation of sponsored content and overhyped products on social media.
• It fosters a community-driven approach to evaluating product value based on aesthetics, brand reputation, utility, and personal preference.
• As of [insert date], over 80,000 videos have been tagged under #deinfluencing, indicating widespread engagement.

Consumerism and Its Environmental Implications

Consumerism remains a dominant economic driver but poses challenges to environmental sustainability, a core concern of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Benjamin Johnson, associate professor of advertising at the University of Florida, highlights the necessity of reducing excessive consumption to mitigate environmental crises.

1. Advertising traditionally encourages continuous consumption, which conflicts with sustainability goals.
2. “De-influence me” conversations represent a shift towards promoting mindful consumption.
3. Social media platforms facilitate these discussions, increasing public awareness of consumption’s environmental impact.

Impact on Consumer Behavior and Local Economies

The trend also influences spending patterns, encouraging support for small businesses and local products, thereby contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• Kate Yeung, cofounder of Coterie Market, reports increased sales linked to the trend’s encouragement to shop smaller and more sustainably.
• Consumers are increasingly considering environmental and economic factors before purchasing.
• This shift supports local economies and reduces the environmental footprint associated with large-scale production and distribution.

Psychological Aspects of Consumer Decision-Making

Geoff Tomaino, associate professor of marketing at the University of Florida, explains the concept of “choice overload,” which affects consumer satisfaction and decision-making quality. This psychological insight is critical for understanding the appeal of the “de-influence” trend.

1. Excessive product options complicate decision-making and increase post-purchase regret.
2. Infinite scrolling on social media reduces natural stopping points (“friction”), leading to overconsumption.
3. Consumers seek ways to balance platform engagement with mindful consumption.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The “De-influence my wishlist” trend directly supports several SDGs by promoting:

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging consumers to critically evaluate purchases and reduce waste.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing environmental impact through decreased overconsumption.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting small and local businesses.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Fostering local economic resilience.

Conclusion

The “de-influence me” movement represents a significant cultural shift towards sustainable consumer behavior, facilitated by social media platforms. By encouraging honest product evaluations and mindful purchasing decisions, this trend contributes to global efforts to achieve sustainable development. It empowers consumers to resist impulsive buying driven by trends and advertising, fostering a more responsible and environmentally conscious marketplace.

Contact Isis Snow at isnow@alligator.org. Follow her on X @snow_isisUF.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article discusses consumerism, impulsive buying, and the trend of “de-influencing” to encourage mindful consumption and reduce excessive purchasing.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights the economic impact of consumer behavior, including the support for small businesses and local goods.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Environmental concerns related to overconsumption and planned obsolescence are mentioned, linking to climate and environmental crises.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article touches on planned obsolescence, which relates to product design and innovation practices.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   • Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 12
   • Percentage of consumers practicing mindful or reduced consumption (implied by the “de-influence me” trend and its popularity).
   • Volume of waste reduction or recycling rates (implied by discussions on reducing impulsive purchases and planned obsolescence).
   • Number of social media videos tagged with #deinfluencing (over 80,000 videos), indicating awareness and behavioral change.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 8
   • Sales growth or market share of small businesses and local goods (implied by increased sales at Coterie Market due to the trend).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Consumer awareness levels about environmental impact of purchases (implied by consumer reflections on environmental effects before buying).
4. Indicators Related to SDG 9
   • Prevalence of planned obsolescence in product design (implied by consumer discussions and awareness).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: alligator.org