The Problem with Modern Consumer Culture

The problem with modern consumer culture is that it makes people want things they don’t need. It encourages us to stay on the ‘hedonic treadmill.’ We never tire of pursuing more and more stuff, especially when those around us have more than we do.

A life of excessive consumerism is not the one to choose.

The engine of a consumer society is discontentment. Consumerism and materialism promote dissatisfaction because if people are happy and appreciative of what they’ve got, they’d be less concerned about getting more.

Modern advertising is manipulative. It’s no longer about telling people that a product exists. It’s not about helping consumers respond favorably to an existing need they have. It is now about creating false desires such as for absurdly priced Louis Vuitton products—wants and needs for something they weren’t probably aware of before seeing the advertisement.

Discontentment is the motivation for our restless desire to spend.

Consumerism encourages the relentless accumulation of positional goods.

Goods, often cheaply and readily available to us, are sold not because of their utility but because of the image that they carry (think Marlboro Man.) Advertisers suggest what we’ll be saying to others about ourselves. As soon as we have purchased one thing, the next thing is dangled.

Idea for Impact: Consume Less. Live More.

Folks, be aware of how consumerism touches your life and footprint on the earth’s resources. Ignore advertising. Live the life you want, not the one others would like you to live. More and more is not better if it can never be enough.