This or That?
I’ve always wondered why trends have moved so quickly in high school. What influences trends? Why do preferences change all the time? Who influences what a teenager likes? To answer these questions, I surveyed 21 freshmen girls. In this survey, I asked them about eight different categories and asked them to choose “This or That.”
“I’m not very surprised [how fast trends change],” says Francesca Nehro (‘29). “I think social media plays a very big part in how fast trends change. I really wish some trends stayed longer so I could get a chance to try them before they go away.”
Energy Drinks or Coffee?
While looking at the survey data, surprisingly, energy drinks were only slightly preferred over coffee, with 57% preferring energy drinks to 43% preferring coffee. Lola DeBenedet (‘29) explains, “I chose energy drinks over coffee because I enjoy having them before sports, but only energy drinks without lots of caffeine like Bubbl’rs.”
Spotify or Apple?
In addition, 67% of those surveyed chose Spotify for their music while 33% chose Apple Music. This was a surprising fact because many teens have been seen using both Spotify and Apple Music. Grace Weeter (29’) chose Spotify over Apple Music, she says, “Even though Spotify has more ads, Spotify is more familiar to me and it’s easier to use when I study.”
Early Release or Late Start?
Moreover, 62% chose early release days, while 38% chose late start mornings. Considering that most people have sports and activities after school this was not a surprise. Sophie Ganamet (29’) prefers early release, “Even though I’m not a morning person; I like to have more time in the afternoon.”
Birkenstocks or Uggs?
Furthermore, 71% chose Birkenstocks, while 29% chose Uggs. Taking into account that the warmer seasons are ending, it makes sense most people chose Birkenstocks. Ella Lavery (29’) chose Uggs over Birkenstocks, she says, “I chose Uggs because it is starting to get colder outside and they are more comfortable than Birkenstocks.”
Ella Lavery (29′) wearing Uggs. (Kate Sauld)
Snapchat or TikTok?
Lastly, 67% chose TikTok, while 33% chose Snapchat. Since there is more content on TikTok, I’m not too surprised TikTok had majority votes. Kate Shinsky (29’) prefers TikTok. She says, “I chose TikTok because I don’t really need Snapchat for communicating and if I didn’t have TikTok I don’t know what I would watch in my free time.”
