For business students, staying up to date is not just encouraged, but rather expected. In a field that revolves around relevance, innovation and consumer behavior, understanding what is trending is practically part of the job description. Whether it’s popular music, fashion, online aesthetics or viral content people are watching, these trends offer valuable insight into what captures attention and drives engagement for all ages and genders. Business students are trained to spot these patterns, analyze them and figure out how they can be improved or used strategically.
Social media makes this process easier and faster than ever. Platforms like Instagram and Tiktok act as real time case studies because their constantly adjusting algorithms reflect how trends emerge, peak and disappear. Considering trends often have short and unpredictable lifespans, business students must learn how to act and think quickly. Being able to identify what works and responds before a trend fades is a skill that directly translates to real-world marketing. When used intentionally, social media becomes a powerful learning tool that reflects the fast-paced nature of modern business.
Yet at the same time, social media can quickly shift from useful to distracting. Business students are encouraged to be online and visible by building their own personal brand, networking and staying informed, all while also being expected to remain focused and disciplined. This creates a unique challenge because scrolling can easily feel productive when it’s framed as "research" or “networking”, even when it turns into procrastination.
There is also the issue of comparison. Although we all know that social media tends to only highlight achievements rather than struggles, repeated exposure on your feed to curated success stories can create the illusion that progress comes effortlessly to others. Seeing peers secure internships, launch businesses or maintain a curated lifestyle can create pressure to achieve more and faster. In competitive business programs, this environment can contribute to imposter syndrome, unnecessary self doubt and continuous comparison.
Another challenge that even I struggle with is the “always on” mindset. The pressure to always stay relevant on social media, consistently posting and keeping up with trends can blur the line between personal life and professional image. Over time, this can lead to burnout and loss of joy and motivation for what you do.
For business students, the goal is not to avoid social media entirely, but to use it with intention. Treating it as a tool rather than a default habit, setting boundaries, and aligning online activity with personal values and career goals can make a meaningful difference. Learning when to log off is just as important as knowing when to engage. In the long run, understanding this balance is a key part of developing professional self awareness and a skill that will remain relevant well beyond university.