A simple stroll through Whole Foods will have you sick of the word protein in about five minutes. 

Protein popcorn, protein soda, protein cereal. 

“Big Protein” is taking over. I’m so over people adding protein to literally everything, because it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be. 

With the sheer volume of health-related TikTok influencers, it’s only natural that their viewers would become more and more interested in the foods they are eating. 

It makes sense that companies are utilizing the protein fad as a marketing tactic, rather than something actually good for its consumers. 

Even major celebrities are jumping on the trend, as seen with the launch of Khloe Kardashian’s “KHLOUD Protein Popcorn.” Starbucks also recently added a protein cold foam to their menu to keep up with the trending health kick.  

According to an article by MedicalNewsToday, many companies partake in what’s called “proteinwashing,” where they market their products to have high amounts of protein. 

While this is true, these same products also contain multiple additives. They are typically high in sodium, saturated fats and sweeteners. 

In January of this year, the Trump administration updated the U.S. dietary guidelines, recommending 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily rather than the previous 0.8 gram recommendation.

However, an article by Johns Hopkins argues that individuals don’t need to be eating more protein to be healthy, they need to be gaining protein from several different natural sources because “not all proteins are created equal.” 

Seafood offers omega-3 fatty acids, important for brain health, while plant-based proteins such as lentils offer fiber and antioxidants. Red and processed meats, however, have higher levels of saturated fat which can cause heart problems if consumed in large amounts.  

This sudden drive for protein rich snacks is not just linked to social media trends. Some studies are showing that the hype surrounding protein consumption is linked to an increased use of GLP-1s. 

“Since GLP-1 drugs lead patients to lower their caloric intake, every calorie consumed means more,” said a CNBC article. “Protein intake is more important to prevent muscle loss.”

The widespread use of these weight loss drugs have also been highlighted in celebrities and tv show stars. 

Layla Taylor, known for being one of the stars of the Hulu show Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, recently opened up in the fourth season of the show about her eating disorder and struggle with overuse of GLP-1s. 

“Appearance is everything here (Utah),” said Taylor in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment. 

She explained how easy it was for her to obtain the drug, despite already being underweight when she started taking the medication, and how this stemmed from a harsh beauty standard among the Utah community. 

So, before you pick up that gallon of protein ice cream from Target, it’s important to look at the rest of the nutrition facts on the back of the package. You may come to find out that the “healthy alternative” isn’t doing much for your health at all. 

A person’s Instagram gives more than just a sneak peek into their life. It showcases their habits, hobbies, and, as bad as it is to say, even their tax bracket. Your grid isn’t random; it is a curated reflection of who you are and how you want to be perceived.

As early as the moment you’re accepted to the University of Miami, Instagram’s role begins. Your incoming student status is announced through the “UMiami 2030” pages, and the image starts immediately.

At a school like UM, this curated image isn’t harmless — it dictates who gets social opportunities and influence. 

A post that you have been to Ultra projects that you love to go out, and have no problem spending money doing so. Having your SolidCore or Strava as one of your highlights tells the world that you love to work out.

Both of these are simply assumptions based on posts, but it’s hard to invalidate these judgments when it is all a person actually has to judge you on. 

When deciding who to invite to Factory Town next Wednesday, the person who posted at Ultra is likely the one chosen. When choosing who to work out with, the person with a SolidCore post is the one you text. When you post, people respond, and at UM, those responses are a social currency. 

Going out in Miami is vast and wide; we have the typical college option of Greek life, as well as the endless possibilities of city life. Every part of it, however, has a touch of Instagram involvement.

“When I post with my friends in club dresses, usually promoters will swipe up with an invite somewhere, or at least like the story,” UM student Ami Bouzaglo said.

Instagram gets your face and existence out there to promoters, gaining more invites to more exclusive events. As for Greek life, sororities ask for your username during sign-ups, and having a “cool girl” feed is presumed to boost your chances at the house you want. 

Whether you want people to think you came to Miami for the education and weather, or if you want them to think you came for the raves and yachts, Instagram is the place to let everyone know. 

People are adaptive to the habits they see you post on social media, and how you want to be perceived is what you post on your Instagram. 

Before college, it was a reflection of who you were at home. Now in college, it shows everyone if you went on a yacht, to a nice dinner, to the beach, or even if you watched the sunset on campus, to let them know what you are interested in doing.

In a culture built on perception, your Instagram, whether it is representative of you or not, can change your whole college experience.