fad

A fad is a practice or interest that becomes very popular for a short time. It is a type of collective behavior, which involves the spontaneous activities of large, loosely organized groups of people who share a common interest or identity.1234

Fads are characterized by a rapid increase in popularity, often involving behavior that may seem irrational or excessive to outsiders. They typically peak and then abruptly decline, sometimes followed by a counterobsession. Examples include children playing with skateboards or a sudden rush to buy a particular item. While some fads are driven by motives like prestige or the joy of mastering something new, their termination is often due to the exhaustion of innovative possibilities or the skill losing its scarcity. Unlike fashion, which is more institutionalized and predictable, fads are sporadic and can emerge from various social levels.56