It happens almost every year. One day, hardly anyone is talking about a product. A week later, it seems to be everywhere. Whether it's a new water bottle, a skincare product, a sneaker, a kitchen gadget, or a viral chocolate bar, suddenly everyone wants one.
Psychology says this isn't simply because the product is the "best." Instead, a combination of social influence, cognitive shortcuts, and marketing psychology can make certain products feel irresistible almost overnight. Researchers have found that people often look to others when deciding what to buy, especially when they are uncertain about quality or value.