#3 - Lifestyle or Popular Culture

Amazon "Must Haves" 

The internet influences us in many areas, including health and fitness, entertainment, and music. The most prominent influence, however, is purchasing products. It is common for products to go viral. Countless times, social media users will advertise purchases that "TikTok made them buy" or "changed their life." Of course, TikTok did not force them to purchase anything, but the sentiment matters. I often come across a video or list on social media discussing Amazon products everyone "must have." Often, these products aid individuals with everyday necessities and lifestyles, but they are sometimes unnecessary purchases. Rather than discuss the products advertised, I want to highlight the trend of these videos and the impact on consumer influence.

Amazon "must have" videos and content usually focus on different categories. For example, people will share products that aid in design and decoration, travel, kitchen, organization, cleaning, fashion, and more. A TikTok creator that specializes in these videos is Rachel Meaders. Almost all of her content revolves around "Amazon finds." 

@rachel_meaders Links are in my bio!💕 #amazon #amazonfinds #founditonamazon #tiktokmademebuyit #amazonmusthaves ♬ original sound - Rachel Meaders

Rachel links all of these products in her bio, but she also has an Amazon storefront that lists all her finds. She will also host live streams on Amazon. 

There are many more creators just like Rachel on many platforms. You can find these videos just about everywhere. Users can find the content on any social media platform by searching "Amazon must haves" or "Amazon finds." For example, there is an endless amount of "must have" videos on Youtube. Some are TikTok compilations, but many are YouTubers who share their favorite Amazon finds. 

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Another platform where people share Amazon products is Pinterest. These posts are often lists from blogs or photos for users to read. Although these posts are mostly from social media content creators, bloggers will review and discuss these finds rather than just share them.

There are several reasons that this type of content is popular. Of course, viewers and readers want to see these products. There is something satisfying about pressing "add to cart," and receiving packages. Hearing that you "must," or "need" a product will alleviate buyer's remorse or convince consumers that they aren't wasting money. Content creators, paid or not, will gain followers by making this content. However, the main reason is that these products will aid lifestyle. This content is so popular, especially on TikTok, that amazon has dedicated an entire page to these recommended products. 

These videos are related to lifestyle in more ways than one. The products themselves are lifestyle products, but creating these videos is a lifestyle and adds to pop culture. The content is interesting and convincing. Furthermore, the content will remain even if the products are never used, breakable, or needless. Even if I don't purchase these products, I enjoy these videos. Chances are, I will find the products neat but not something I absolutely need to have; however, I have found some purchases helpful.