We are in June 2026, and by the way, in a major zombie apocalypse. NPCs took over the U.S.—and specifically the state I live in, New York. If I were to write about NPCs, the story would simply be way too long for anyone to read. I like observing and quietly coming to right-on-point conclusions.

In a world of “follow-the-leader,” we seem to be lacking individuals who are staying true to themselves. Not people who wear uniqueness as another trend, but people who can think independently when the crowd is moving in the opposite direction. I think this is a phenomenon that may either remain stagnant or become worse with time.

The human species has always followed trends, but there is a difference between participating in culture and surrendering your identity to it. Today, many people outsource their opinions, tastes, values, and even personalities to whatever is currently receiving the most attention, even when it is negative or disconnected from reality. Of course not everything that receives attention is harmful. It is important to distinguish between ideas that gain popularity because they contribute something meaningful and ideas that spread simply because they are entertaining, emotionally charged, or easy to imitate. Some collective efforts advance science, improve public health, encourage education, strengthen communities, or solve real-world problems. Others capture public attention while contributing very little to personal growth, critical thought, or the long-term well-being of society.

Trends have been here forever. They’re everywhere, and we cannot escape them. Whether it’s an AD we see online or on a billboard, what everyone is wearing this fashion season, or what celebrity topic is dominating social media – we are all exposed to similar influences. A viral post, a recommendation algorithm, or a repeated slogan can quietly shape our minds and of course purchasing decisions. Many people don’t realize how often they buy a product, adopt an opinion, or mimic a behavior simply because they encountered it repeatedly.

Behaviorally, humans are wired for conformity. Studies have consistently shown that people are more likely to adopt beliefs and behaviors when they perceive them as popular more than them being socially accepted. Social psychologists refer to this as social proof—the tendency to assume that if many others are doing something, it must be correct, even if a person recognizes that the behavior, belief, or decision may be irrational, misleading, or detached from reality. The desire to fit in and avoid social friction often overrides independent judgment, causing people to follow the crowd despite recognizing flaws in the crowd’s thinking.

Research has found that individuals frequently adjust their opinions to align with group consensus, even when they privately disagree. Online, this effect is amplified. Algorithms reward engagement, meaning users are repeatedly exposed to the same ideas, trends, aesthetics, and talking points until they begin to feel normal. Yet to those who tend to think independently, much of this appears completely abnormal.

But we can escape. Not by avoiding society entirely but more-so by paying attention. By observing. By questioning before repeating. By being willing to stand alone when necessary. The rarest thing today may not be intelligence, talent, or success—it may simply be authenticity. In an age where so many people are comfortable operating on autopilot, maintaining an independent mind may be one of the most valuable traits a person can possess.