ABOUT THE BOOK

Title:Beyond the Filter: Identity, Influence and Fast Fashion in the Social Media Era
Editors: Dr. Manish Dubey and Dr. Shweta Singh
Published by: SAAR Publications [Reg.]
Language: English
Pages: 129
Edition: 2025
ISBN: 978-81-992369-6-7
DOI:
Citation:

In the age of social media, fashion is no longer confined to glossy magazines or runways—it unfolds instantly on our screens, reshaping how identity, influence, and consumption intersect. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have transformed the way individuals engage with style, offering new opportunities for self-expression while simultaneously fueling the fast fashion industry. Behind every curated post, trending hashtag, or viral outfit challenge lies a complex web of cultural aspirations, consumer choices, and ethical dilemmas. Beyond the Filter: Identity, Influence, and Fast Fashion in the Social Media Era brings together diverse perspectives to explore these dynamics. The chapters in this volume examine how digital spaces shape personal and collective identities, how influencers and micro-celebrities drive trends, and how fast fashion brands capitalize on online cultures of immediacy and desire. At the same time, the book highlights the consequences of this cycle— environmental degradation, labor exploitation, and the pressure of unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards. This collection is designed to be both critical and forward-looking. By weaving together insights from media studies, cultural theory, sociology, and sustainability research, it encourages readers to think deeply about the forces behind their fashion choices and the broader implications of social media–driven consumption. The aim is not only to analyze but also to inspire dialogue around more ethical, creative, and sustainable futures in fashion. As editors, we extend our gratitude to the contributors who have shared their expertise and to the readers who will engage with these chapters. It is our hope that this book provides a meaningful lens through which to understand the entwined narratives of fashion, identity, and digital influence in the twenty-first century.

Dr. Manish Dubey is an accomplished academician, researcher, and media professional, presently serving as an Assistant Professor at Amity University, Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior). He brings with him over nine years of academic and professional experience in the field of Journalism and Mass Communication, with a particular emphasis on the transformative role of new media. He holds a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication, with his doctoral research focusing on the “Impact of New Media in the Prevention of Terrorist Activity.” His scholarly contributions include six research publications in reputed journals and two insightful book chapters in the domain of media and communication studies. Beyond academics, Dr. Dubey is actively engaged in student development and community service as the Program Officer of the National Service Scheme (NSS) at Amity University. He is also a certified Master Trainer of the My Bharat and Digital Literacy Programme under the Government of India. To further enhance his expertise, he has successfully completed a Certificate Course in Science Journalism from ISCOS. Through his multifaceted roles as an educator, researcher, and trainer, Dr. Dubey consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing media education and contributing to societal progress.

Dr Shweta Singh is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Fashion Design and Technology at Amity University, Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior. With a master’s degree in Fashion Design and a completed Ph.D. focusing on the tribes of Madhya Pradesh, Shweta brings a rich blend of academic expertise and cultural insight to her work. Over her Five years in academia, she has made significant contributions to sustainable fashion technologies. An accomplished scholar, Shweta has authored more than ten research papers and two books, in addition to contributing numerous book chapters in both national and international journals. She has presented over seven research papers at prestigious conferences around the world. Demonstrating her commitment to innovation, she holds over Eight copyrights, underscoring her dedication to advancing intellectual property in the fashion industry. As a passionate educator, Shweta stands at the nexus of creativity, education, and sustainability. She is fervently dedicated to bridging the gap between fashion, environmental responsibility, and sustainability. Championing innovative materials and techniques while preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship, she views sustainable fashion as a profound and enduring movement rather than a passing trend. Her work continues to inspire and influence the future of fashion, advocating for a harmonious balance between style and sustainability, mentoring the next generation of fashion designers, and engaging with local communities and artisans.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.No.Content

Page No.

 

1.     

AI in the Fashion Feed: Automation, Recommendation, and Personalization in Fashion Media Systems

Deepshikha Sahu

1
2.     

Being Perfect in Appearance Comes with a Price: Mental Health, Image Anxiety and Fashion Influencers

Rishav Singh Tomar & Dr. Sandeep Kumar

23
3.     

Between Threads and Traditions: Negotiating Limbu Identity Amid Digital Influence and Fast Fashion

Sonali Subba

32
4.     

Between Form and Ethics – The Eco-Aesthetic in the Age of Green-washing Theme: Eco-Aesthetic vs. Green-Washing on Social Media

Ankur Jyoti Dutta

41
5.     

The Role of Viral Trends in Fast Fashion

Leena Tanna

60
6.     

Green Washing and Environmental Sustainability

Dr. Rwitabrata Mallick & Ms. Anshu Dwivedi

68
7.     

Designing Inclusivity — The Missing UX for Plus-Size, Disabled, and Trans Fashion Consumers

Mr. Kshitij Rana, Mrs. Bhawana Jain, Ms. Deepali Gour & Dr. Pranav Mishra

78
8.     

AI in Fashion Media Systems: Automation, Recommendation, and Personalization

Dr. Ranjan Kumar & Dr. Pragya Gupta

95
9.     

Memes as Fashion Discourse: Digital Literacy, Humor, and the Democratization of Style on Social Media

Dr. Pranav Mishra, Mr. Kshitij Rana & Mr. Vishal Kumar

109
10.  

Rewriting Fashion Narratives at the Intersection of Social Media and Fashion Communication

Dr. Urvashi Khandal

120