The hidden ways social media is reshaping how we celebrate Halloween

Celebrity event designer Edward Perotti, a.k.a. The “King of Halloween,” discusses how spooky season has shifted from a celebration of personal expression to an algorithm-chasing over-production, and how to reclaim authentic holiday creativity. 

Celebrity event designer Edward Perotti, known as the “King of Halloween,” argues that Halloween has shifted from a celebration of personal expression and creativity into an over-commercialized, algorithm-driven spectacle. He criticizes retailers for pushing Halloween merchandise earlier every year and social media for encouraging clout-chasing displays, saying both trends diminish the holiday’s unique freedom from the obligations, gifts and elaborate meals associated with other celebrations. Perotti encourages people to reclaim Halloween by living in the moment, “shopping their home,” creatively reusing old decorations and focusing on authentic self-expression and community rather than pre-packaged aesthetics.