in conclusion, building an identity as someone fully immersed in the digital age is both extremely easy and cartoonishly complicated.
the internet has grabbed hold of novel identities, squeezed out every last ounce of associated traits, and reorganized them as palatable yet rigid “aesthetics” in a sort of one-size-fits-all manner, despite the equally popular demand to be different from everyone else.

while self-expression has and likely will always be a core value of mine, i also realize that in such a demanding digital environment, it’s also okay to embrace the mainstream. i’d probably learn to like it - in fact, second-hand Hollister shirts have been calling my name as of late.

additionally, as i write about an age demographic that just barely still tailors to me (13-17 as a newly 18 year old), i feel pretty grateful to be able to remind myself that the digital world we make such a fuss about is able to be turned off , and that there are arguable better ways to be spending our time (46% of us are “almost constantly’ on social media? really?).

i’d also like to remind teenagers that exploring your identity should be fun, and if one day you’re feeling cottagecore and then cottagegore the next, that’s okay. just remember to maintain alternative values, such as not supporting unsustainable fashion - try diy! it’s a thousand times more rewarding (and the internet likely won’t be kind to fast-fashion buyers). stay true to yourself, your values, and your style - in the real world and online - and you’ll be sure to make the most out of exploring your style on the internet.