Beyond the Aesthetic: Navigating the Fatigue of Social Media Trends

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The Nails, the Sweaters & the Lofi

Dear Readers,

Lately, I’ve found myself overwhelmed by the uniformity of content across platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Reels. The recurring visuals of manicured nails, cozy sweaters, and soft, coquette voices have become ubiquitous. While these elements aim to create a sense of comfort and relatability, they often feel more like a curated facade than genuine expression.

This isn’t just about personal taste; it’s about the broader implications of such homogenized content. Let’s explore this through various lenses:

Psychological Perspective: The Toll of Constant Comparison

Social media platforms are designed to capture our attention, often leading to excessive use. This overexposure can result in social media fatigue, a state characterized by stress and decreased satisfaction. Studies have shown that compulsive use of these platforms can lead to anxiety and depression. 

Sociological Insight: The Pressure to Conform

The rise of influencer culture has created a landscape where uniqueness is often overshadowed by prevailing trends. The “clean girl” aesthetic, among others, promotes a narrow standard of beauty and lifestyle, pressuring individuals to conform to these ideals.

Economic Factors: The Cost of Keeping Up

The influencer economy, valued at over $250 billion, thrives on promoting aspirational lifestyles. However, this often leads to a disconnect between influencers and their audiences, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Many followers struggle to relate to content showcasing lavish spending, leading to a growing backlash against such displays. 

Marketing Dynamics: The Shift Towards Authenticity

As audiences grow weary of inauthentic content, there’s a noticeable shift towards valuing genuine engagement. Brands and creators are now focusing on building communities based on shared interests and values, moving away from traditional influencer models. 

Embracing Individuality in a Sea of Sameness

It’s essential to recognize the impact of these trends on our mental well-being and societal values. While it’s okay to enjoy certain aesthetics, we must also celebrate diversity and authenticity in content creation. Let’s strive for a digital landscape that values genuine expression over curated perfection.

Sources and references:

  1. Influencer Fatigue: Are We Done With Influencers?
  2. https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/influencer-fatigue
  3. The Psychology Behind the Rises and Falls of Trends
  4. https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/psychology-trend-culture-49345657
  5. Influencers Take Heat Over Lavish Lifestyles in Economic Downturn
  6. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/20/tiktok-influencers-recession-backlash
  7. Uniqueness and Consumer Culture
  8. https://www.sceneandheardnu.com/content/uniqueness-and-consumer-culture
  9. Compulsive Social Media Use and Mental Health
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11300332/

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this with me.

Warm regards,

Llianne I. O. Reyes


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Welcome to the Liorverse.

I’m an autistic artist—graphic designer, dancer, violinist, and singer of truths once silenced. In 2011, I stood at the gates of traditional publishing with a firelit soul and two series in motion. I was still a girl. Still bilingual. Brilliant—and breaking. The world told me I wasn’t enough.

So I paused.
For fourteen years.

Now I return—not for trends or algorithms, not to become your favorite—
but to become the book you didn’t know you needed.

Each story I write carries a symbol. Something sacred, visual, unforgettable. I love obsidian black and earthy tones, but also fire, gold, and vibrant bloom. Every detail—every cover, line, and heartbeat—is handcrafted.

My stories cross worlds: this one, the dream one, the one stitched from grief and stars. Some are quiet. Some are wild. Some ache softly. Others bite.

I write romance in all its forms—tender, taboo, tragic, and soul-scorching. You’ll find innocence and ruin, devotion and darkness, sweetness and sin. Sometimes it’s a slow burn in a city apartment. Sometimes it’s a violent kiss in a haunted house.

If you crave intense emotional arcs, unforgettable characters, and stories that stir—
whether that’s warmth or wickedness—
leave a comment. Say hello. Tell me what you’re feeling. Or just whisper your favorite line.

I’m currently welcoming beta readers who devour books, love feedback, and aren’t afraid of stories that feel too much.

Thank you for being here.
You found the words.
Now let the words find you.

🖤
—LIOR

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