Over at Channel 4’s Commercial Research team we noticed our Facebook feeds becoming more and more populated with snaps of people having a better lunch than us, although given some of the home made sandwiches that make an appearance at 1pm, this is not too hard to do. It got us thinking though about how people use food to show off and how fashionable it sometimes seems to be eating in the latest place – just like wearing the latest dress! We asked the Tribes whether they were experiencing this too and Alanna, who was here on work experience with us, gives her take on the results.

Food has become more of a fashion in the world of 16-24s. Whether it’s discussing cooking TV programmes with friends or posting pictures on social networking websites, most of us are involved.  Instagram, Twitter and Facebook all play a big part in creating a food fashion.  My instagram feed is constantly full of people showing off their baking skills or showing pictures of their Krispy Kreme’s or Nandos. I personally think that some of these ‘hyped’ restaurants aren’t as good as they are made out to be. Twitter and Facebook on the other hand is used to voice opinion about one of the many TV shows about food that appear on our TV’s weekly the most popular are usually Come Dine with Me or Man vs. Food.

Since I started Secondary School until the time I finished I definitely saw a change in how food has become involved within our social lives. Normally when meeting up with friends on the weekends or in the holidays we often plan our day around lunch or dinner. The meal normally includes a trip to an American chain restaurant for example TGI’s or Chipotle and most likely a picture of the food on instagram and a post about where we are on Facebook or Twitter.  Food is increasingly becoming more and more popular. I have noticed recently that there has been the cupcake phase where people have been buying and making cupcakes and even setting up businesses. American sweets and drinks are also in ‘food fashion’ people will go to specific shops to buy these sweets to fit in with the trend.

I do believe that Celebrities have had an impact on the food fashion. They have started presenting TV shows which include food recipes and ideas. Also on reality TV shows celebrities are seen to be eating and drinking certain beverage brands which could appeal more to the viewers. For example Professor Green does the advert for relentless energy drink which in my opinion will appeal to a specific target audience who will be persuaded to buy the drink.  I think that food fashion will be around for a long time as social networking and media keep on improving which means new food ideas will be passed on and shared between people all over the world.

 

Alanna, F, 16