Some things start off as great ideas — hidden gems, exciting trends, or niche experiences that feel special.
However, once they get too popular, something changes. Whether it’s overcrowding, companies cashing in, or people jumping on the bandwagon for the wrong reasons, the charm kind of just… disappears. It’s a shame, really, that these things get ruined so easily. You were just enjoying them and then bam! Everything that was great of them is suddenly gone.
1. Quiet little travel destinations
There was a time when certain beaches, towns, and remote spots felt like hidden treasures, known only to a handful of travellers. Then social media got hold of them, and suddenly, what was once peaceful and untouched became flooded with tourists, influencers, and overpriced cafes. Instead of a quiet escape, these places are now packed with selfie sticks, long queues, and the kind of crowds that completely defeat the point of going somewhere “hidden” in the first place. What was once special now feels commercial, turning natural beauty into just another Instagram backdrop.
2. Music festivals
Music festivals used to be about the experience — seeing great bands, discovering new music, and enjoying the atmosphere. But as they became more mainstream, they turned into overpriced, overcrowded fashion shows where the lineup seems like an afterthought. Now, getting tickets is a nightmare, drinks cost as much as a small mortgage, and half the people are more interested in getting the perfect festival photo than actually watching the artists. What used to feel like a raw, exciting experience now feels like a marketing event.
3. Certain food trends
Every now and then, a genuinely good food idea takes off — avocado toast, bubble tea, sourdough bread — but the moment it becomes mainstream, it gets overdone. Suddenly, every café is charging ridiculous prices for something that was once a simple pleasure. It’s not just the cost, though. When something becomes trendy, places start prioritising appearance over quality, focusing more on making it Instagram-worthy rather than actually tasting good. By the time the hype dies down, the original charm is long gone.
4. Social media platforms
Most social media platforms start off as fun, creative spaces where people can connect. But as they grow, they become overrun with ads, fake influencers, and engagement-hungry content that prioritises trends over genuine connection. What used to be about sharing moments and ideas is now filled with people trying to sell you something, get clout, or argue in the comments. The more popular a platform gets, the less enjoyable it becomes.
5. Streaming services
Source: Unsplash At first, streaming services were a game-changer, giving people unlimited access to films and shows without ads or overpriced cable packages. But once every company decided to launch their own streaming service, things got messy. Now, content is spread across so many platforms that you need multiple subscriptions just to watch the shows you like. What started as a simple, affordable alternative has turned into an expensive, frustrating mess.
6. Secret menu items
There was a time when “secret menu” items were actually a cool little bonus — something only true fans knew about. But once they went viral, every fast-food place started hyping them up, and suddenly, they weren’t so secret anymore. Now, staff roll their eyes when you order them, and instead of feeling special, it just feels like another gimmick designed to create internet buzz. What was once an insider tip has turned into a corporate marketing strategy.
7. True crime documentaries
True crime used to be a fascinating niche for people genuinely interested in understanding criminal cases, but once it became mainstream, things got weird. Suddenly, horrific crimes were being turned into entertainment, with dramatic reenactments and podcasts making real tragedies feel like fictional thrillers. Instead of focusing on justice or awareness, many of these shows just chase shock value, and people start treating real-life criminals like TV villains. What was once an educational genre now feels exploitative.
8. Minimalism
Source: Unsplash The idea of decluttering and living simply was great at first, encouraging people to focus on what truly mattered. But when minimalism became trendy, companies saw an opportunity to sell people expensive “minimalist” products, which completely defeated the purpose. Instead of using what they already had, people started buying overpriced, aesthetically pleasing “simple” items just to fit the trend. What was supposed to be about less turned into another way to buy more.
9. DIY home renovations
There was a time when DIY meant making the most of what you had, learning new skills, and adding a personal touch to your home. Then reality shows and social media turned it into a competition, where everything has to be ripped out, “flipped,” and made to look magazine-perfect. Now, people feel pressured to constantly update their homes for aesthetics rather than function, and DIY has become less about creativity and more about keeping up with trends. What used to be a fun, practical hobby now feels exhausting.
10. Pop-up restaurants and food trucks
Once upon a time, pop-up restaurants and food trucks were exciting because they offered something different—unique menus, creative concepts, and an underground vibe. But once they gained mainstream attention, they lost their charm. Now, pop-ups are heavily marketed, often overpriced, and sometimes even backed by big businesses pretending to be “independent.” Instead of feeling like a hidden gem, they feel like another overhyped event.
11. Escape rooms
Escape rooms used to be a fun, unique way to challenge yourself and work as a team, but once they exploded in popularity, they started feeling repetitive. Many companies jumped on the trend without putting much thought into the quality of the puzzles, making the experience less enjoyable. Instead of well-designed, immersive adventures, a lot of escape rooms became copy-paste versions of the same generic concepts. What once felt creative now feels mass-produced.
12. Personal development books
Self-help books used to be about offering real, practical advice, but as the industry grew, they started feeling more like a collection of recycled ideas. The same messages — think positive, wake up early, hustle harder — just get repackaged with a new title. What started as insightful, helpful content has turned into a sea of generic advice that often feels more like common sense than anything groundbreaking. Now, it’s hard to find a personal development book that doesn’t just repeat what the last ten already said.
13. Subscription boxes
At first, subscription boxes were a fun way to discover new products, whether it was snacks, beauty items, or books. But as more companies jumped in, they became repetitive, overpriced, and filled with random items you didn’t actually want. What started as an exciting surprise turned into a monthly delivery of things that pile up in a drawer, making it feel more like clutter than a treat. The novelty wears off fast when you realise half the stuff isn’t even useful.
