Cringey or Cool? What Teens Really Think About Trendiness in Ads

New research reveals teens prefer authentic cultural connections over social media tricks—and they can spot the difference in seconds.

Nothing catches a marketer’s attention quite like a shiny new trend. But trend hopping comes with significant risks, especially today, as viral moments catch fire and flame out faster than you can flick a BIC. A brand that gets it right lives to move on to the next big thing, but those that get it wrong are suddenly seen as “out-of-date,” “old,” or “cringe.”