Research Project
Unveiling the Thrift: Exploring the Perceptions and Realities of Thrifting Through Social Media Discourse
Bio
Hello! ✨
My name is Christiana Webster and I am a fourth-year Professional Communications student at Toronto Metropolitan University. The inspiration for my Signify research project came from my life-long love of thrifting and style. I have been thrifting my clothing since I was in middle school and have been fascinated by the changing landscape that the industry has gone through over recent years. Since the pandemic, I have been turning my passion for thrifting into online content that I share with my followers primarily through TikTok. I have even had the opportunity to partner with thrift stores like Value Village to create content for their social media platforms.
I hope you enjoy this look into the online thrifting community! 🛒 🛍
Research Summary
ABSTRACT:
This study examines the portrayal of thrifting in social media content, analyzing its depiction, common discourse, and recommendations for fostering a positive and sustainable thrifting culture. Analysis of 326 social media posts reveals a predominantly positive narrative, highlighting thrift store finds, collective hauls, and thrifting tips. Challenges such as rising costs, resellers, and fast fashion’s influence is also reflected in the online content analyzed. Recommendations include the continued promotion of positive thrifting narratives, and fostering online discussions around the ethics of thrifting. These measures aim to cultivate a more sustainable and inclusive thrifting culture, both online and offline.
REFERENCES:
Abdulla, H. (2023, December 13). Sustainability momentum slows with fashion use up 60% in 2023. Just Style. https://www.just-style.com/news/signal-sustainability-momentum-slows-with-fashion-consumption-up-60-in-2023/?cf-view
Rella, E. (2023, August 24). Tiktokers Slam thrift stores for massive markups.
Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/tiktokers-slam-thrift-
stores-for-massive-markups/458013
POSTER + LIGHTNING TALK ELEMENTS:
@_christianawebster. (2024, March 8). TikTok.
@_christianawebster I have so many more pieces from this thrfit trip i cant wait to share 🥺🫶 #spring2024fashion #spring2024outfits #thrift #thrifted #thriftedfashion #plussize #plussizefashion #plussizethrifting #plussizetiktok
@_christianawebster. (2024, February 28). TikTok.
@_christianawebster was VERY close to grtting that brown jacket 😭 it was only $20 too?!? #thrift #thriftedfashion #thrifted #thriftshop #valuevillage #valuevillagefinds #valuevillagehaul
@_christianawebster. (2023, November 10). TikTok.
@_christianawebster I feel like the last sweater has so much potential 😭 #thrift #thrifted #thrifting #keeporreturn #thriftedfashion #plussizeedition #plussizefashion
@_christianawebster. (2023, June 3). TikTok.
@_christianawebster THE QUILT 🥺💛🙏🏻 #valuevillage #valuevillagefinds #valuevillagehaul #valuevillagethrift #savers #saversthrift #savershaul #plussize #plussizeedition #plussizefashion
LOFIRU. (2023, March 23). [non copyright music] lofi type beat – imperfect | aesthetic
lofi music. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTQAjKBNp8g
logoking. (2023, February 4). Download reddit logo PNG, Reddit icon transparent PNG.
Vecteezy. https://www.vecteezy.com/png/18930474-reddit-logo-png-reddit-icon-
transparent-png
logoking. (2023a, February 4). Download Instagram logo PNG, Instagram icon
transparent. Vecteezy. https://www.vecteezy.com/png/18930415-instagram-logo-
png-instagram-icon-transparent
maulid091. (2023, February 21). Download youtube PNG icon. Vecteezy.
https://www.vecteezy.com/png/16716475-youtube-png-icon
maulid091. (2023a, February 21). Download Tiktok PNG icon. Vecteezy.
https://www.vecteezy.com/png/16716485-tiktok-png-icon
Research Poster
