These days, the average person loves a think piece—specifically, having their own and putting it out there for the world to see. It stems from this new access we have on the internet to each other. On spaces like TikTok, Instagram, and X and Threads, we can reach beyond our narrow circles into the phones of literally anyone else.
Out of this environment, we’ve normalized an even more extreme parasocial nature between celebrities, influencers, and each other. The new internet landscape involves users analyzing and critiquing anyone who chooses to try or put themselves out there, serving as amateur publicists, stylists, and brand-image architects. There’s an element of this new world order that’s thrilling—our opinions matter!
But...what’s that phrase about opinions again? I’d argue that we’ve critiqued ourselves into mass hysteria, conflating personal opinion with expertise. Just because someone has something to say doesn’t mean they actually know what they’re saying.
There once was a time when people took the time to learn, gain experience, and work in a specific field so they’re equipped to handle certain industries. But now, everyone simply thinks they know enough about everything. And it's making fashion and entertainment commentary less fun for everyone involved.
Over the last few weeks, with Fashion Month, the Emmys, and the VMAs, we were inundated with sartorial opinions on the internet. Top of mind for me was Shailene Woodley’s Emmys look. After hyping her up the week prior for winning an award in a chic, tiny white dress while her ex tried to drag her but failed, we were collectively excited to see her back in the limelight wearing something else to shove in said ex’s face.
But her red carpet look—from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga F/W 26 haute couture collection—got a different reaction. Videos and tweets immediately proclaimed that this singular “bad outfit” was ruining her rebrand. That her stylist needed to be fired, and that this isn’t what they’d put Shailene in, as if they’ve ever styled anyone outside of themselves.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
