Imagine living life everyday seeing the same object on or with every person over and over and over again. Whether it’s a brightly colored flask or a simple sock design, that same object seems to be a part of someone’s everyday life. Suddenly you start to wonder why everyone has it and you don’t. Soon you fall into a swarm of people and the cycle continues.
Stanley cups have had an uproar throughout the teenage and even adult community. Sophomore Brooklyn Houghtaling explains why she has her Stanley and how it ties into consumerism.
“I think that once you see something so often you start to wonder like why the heck does this person like it so much so you try to see for yourself,” Houghtaling said.
According to Stanley 1913, an online store, The Stanley company began back in 1913 and they started off making all-steel vacuum cups. According to Today, a news program, Stanley cups became popular In 2019 thanks to a shopping-focused outlet and Instagram account The Buy Guide. Soon people began to take notice and buy the cups.
“I think it became a trend because of the shape of it and the variety of colors,” Houghtaling said, “ I feel like everyone is looking for a water bottle that is good quality”
Stanley cups have become a huge symbol for consumerism, considering that the cup has become more than a source of hydration.
“I think if it weren’t for TikTok Stanley cups wouldn’t be as big,” Instructor Itzel Armendariz Cepeda said, “I like them because they keep my water cold, it’s a good size, and it’s really cute. I do think they cost a lot of money since they got a lot of attention from TikTok.”
The same goes for the evolution of Nike socks. A simple white sock with a symbol has become a part of some teens’ everyday outfits.
“I definitely think ever since its gotten popular that’s all I usually wear with every outfit and I feel like a lot of people like to wear them as well,” sophomore Sophia Jensen said.
The Nike brand has been popular for decades now. From shoes to clothing, according to BusinessInsider, a New York City–based multinational financial and business news website most people who rock the Nike brand come from the upper or middle classes.
“I do think Stanleys and Nike socks are somewhat expensive just for like a water bottle or a sock,” Houghtaling said
Social media is typically to blame for the wild popularity of these items. Apps like TikTok contribute to this. The term ‘dupe’ has become commonly used on social media apps, helping buyers find an identical item for a more reasonable cost.
“I think Stanleys are no different from any other water bottle,” Armendariz said. “I think the Owala water bottles have become more popular this past year because they are a better price.”
