1. Meninism
Arguably the single worst movement started by social media, “Meninism” should never have become a thing. Not only did it trivialize the very real struggle faced by feminists, it insulted and degraded both women and men. There is no place for a trend like this in 2016.
2. Shaming
Whether it be slut-shaming, body-shaming, etc. No matter how good your intentions are, it is almost certain that you will come off as rude, insensitive, and cruel. Nobody has a right to judge anyone else. We should take the advice from that woman in “Mean Girls” and “just bake a cake filled with rainbows and smiles and everyone [can] eat it and be happy.”
3. Endless Snapchat stories
We all know that one person who uses their “My Story” on Snapchat as a play-by-play account of their every move. No matter how great of a person you are, I don’t need to see every latte you buy, what your outfit is, or every single person you saw today. For the sake of everyone, please, please, leave this in 2015.
4. Publicizing your relationship problems
Nobody needs to know every time you break, or how many times he cheated. Exposing them on social media may give you a small sense of gratification, but in the end, nobody will benefit. You will make both you and your significant other look bad, and make your friends uncomfortable.
5. Toxic friendships
If they aren’t improving your life or helping you achieve your goals, leave them behind. You deserve better than those who put you down, and you will find people who support you if you keep looking.
6. Man buns the size of a pea
If there isn’t enough hair for a bun, don’t put it in a bun.
7. Twitter Challenges
From the “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge” to the “Condom Challenge,” it is impossible to not have seen at least one person you know participate. Challenges peaked in popularity this past year, and I feel as though it is safe to say they benefit nobody and are dangerous, as they have landed several people in the hospital. Nobody needs to see a condom filled with water falling on your face. When a “Be a Better Person” Challenge sparks, they can become a thing again.
8. The Kardashian/Jenner Obsession
If years were named after celebrities, 2015 would be the Year of The Kardashians/Jenners. From the modeling careers on Kendall and Kylie, as well as endless gossip, divorce rumors, and speculations about plastic surgery, they have been talked about non-stop since January 1st. Instead of focusing on a family who has gained wealth solely from their looks and scandals, we should look to celebrities who are actively working to improve themselves and the world around them. Save your “likes” and “retweets” for someone who deserves them.
9. Glorifying mental illnesses
A lot of progress surrounding this issue has been made in recent years, but we are still far from a good standpoint. It has (somehow) become “trendy” to be depressed, have an eating disorder and so on. Stores such as Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters sold clothing which enforced this trend and made it even more popular. Labeling yourself as depressed when you are having a bad day or saying you’re “bi-polar” when you simply are having mood swings is trivializing the struggles faced by those who actually suffer from these illnesses. Spread awareness, not stigma.
10. “Goals”
Anything with the word “goals” attached to the end should be left behind. It is unclear how it even made it to 2015. No more #relationshipgoals #outfits goals #foodgoals. Please.
