Keeping Up With the Joneses: Consumerism
In a world where a simple click of a button can summon packages, everything appears to be within reach. Our desires are fulfilled with just a few taps of a finger, providing a momentary sense of satisfaction that briefly transports us from reality. Undoubtedly, this can be quite therapeutic and beneficial when used in moderation, commonly what people refer to as “retail therapy.” However, when does this seemingly harmless "therapy" transform into compulsive consumption?
Compulsive consumption involves purchasing an excess of items that are not necessarily essential. This behavior is frequently linked to consumerism, which suggests that taking goods and services in large quantities will improve well-being, manifesting a lifestyle characterized by materialism and overconsumption.
Admittedly, we've all succumbed to the allure of online ads, billboards, and similar marketing tactics. Throughout history, consuming has always been etched in our nature, driven by essential needs like food and clothing. To the convenience of the public, the expansion of the economy has greatly broadened our access to a diverse range of products. Unquestionably, there have been instances where this freedom has prompted us to make unwise purchases. While buying a few items isn’t inherently bad, it often spirals into unhealthy spending habits. The pattern typically begins with acquiring small online finds, which gradually accumulate. Unbeknownst to us, we're frequently influenced into making these purchases, which raises a profound question: Are we merely driven by a desire to conform to societal expectations and “fit in,” leading us to feel compelled to buy these merchandise?
As humans, we are innately inclined to conform to what everyone else seems to have. Hence, marketing plays a significant role in influencing and convincing us that we need certain things, even when we may not. This tactic, while contributing to economic growth, often leads consumers to purchase items they neither need nor afford. Moreover, the prevalence of social media has heightened this dynamic, as companies strategically take advantage of platforms to generate envy and a sense of exclusion. By employing tactics like discounts, year-end sales, and exclusive products, the market further encourages consumers to make immediate purchases, making it seem as if buyers are making the most out of their money. This pressure overall prompts buyers to make unnecessary purchases.
One prime example of consumerism is the widely recognized Shopee monthly sales—which aligns the date of the sale to the current month (e.g., January 1, February 2, March 3, etc.). During this time, the website advertises massive discounts on an extensive range of products, covering almost everything you can think of, dragging everyone into a shopping frenzy. While there is an appeal to discounted prices, it prompts us to reflect on whether we truly need the items we eagerly add to our cart. Often, the temptation leads us to convince ourselves that these purchases will find use in the near future. However, in reality, they might just end up rotting in various corners of our homes, unused and forgotten.
While consumption is a part of human nature, it's important to consider whether we truly need items like the latest iPhone, a new pair of sneakers (just because they’re trendy), or more clothes when we haven’t even worn half of our closet before making a purchase; there's a thin line between consuming to fulfill one’s satisfaction and excessive consumption of merchandise that goes beyond rationality. By recognizing this shift, we’ll be able to discern when purchasing goods turns from a deliberate choice to an impulsive behavior.
