Consumerism’s exorbitant cost of Data and the Way Out is reflected in this article
The rationale for the non-use of resources, based on economic and philosophical considerations
If you’re not a member of Medium and find this article paid, you can read it The complete article is available for free at this link The original publication on LinkedIN was made
Despite having more resources than ever, modern society remains unsatisfied. The objective of enhancing consumption through easier, faster, and more addictive methods has been the focus of every innovation and breakthrough in production, logistics, or marketing
The economic strategy of the 20th century to stimulate post-war growth has transformed into the prevailing philosophy of human life by 2025.
Nevertheless, the statistics are disconcerting. Global consumer debt surpassed $55 trillion in 2024. (IMF), a manifestation of our unrelenting pursuit of more. Fashion, once a seasonal pursuit, now encompasses the production of fashion 100 billion garments annually Most of the items donated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation end up in landfills. Our shopping habits have become a covert issue, contributing to the climate crisis The average British citizen’s carbon footprint was 23 times higher on Christmas Day alone , thanks to the exchange of unnecessary gifts (The Guardian, 2024)
Consumption is not limited to economics or the environment. It is a highly philosophical one. How does a society that values possession as happiness, branding as identity and satisfaction as fleeting dopamine hits from new purchases reflect The modern world we are always chasing after (and never returning to)?
The Psychology of Never Enough
If consumerism had a motto “More is better” it would be this. This conviction has been steadily developed over the years. Edward Bernays, Freud’s nephew, was the source of inspiration for advertisers in the early 20th century, who believed that products should not only fulfill a purpose but also satisfy desires. The 1920s saw women not just buying cigarettes but also purchasing empowerment. Men didn’t just buy razors; they also sought masculinity
The formula has remained unaltered until 2025, thanks to the use of algorithms that have a greater understanding of our lives than we do. Our daily scroll, pause, and gaze are tracked by social media platforms
AI-powered recommendation engines can anticipate our desires before we express them. Studies show that 72% of Gen Z shoppers are impacted by social media trends , even when they contradict their eco-conscious values (New York Post, 2024) Identity is now the primary concern of consumerism, rather than needs The younger generation is particularly vulnerable in the world
The aftermath of this is dreadful. Research from the Journal of Student Research (2024) Demonstrates a strong correlation Materialistic values and deteriorating mental health , with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction among those who equate possessions with self-worth. The hedonic treadmill is a genuine phenomenon where the more we learn, the faster our baseline expectations increase and our level of dissatisfaction increases
The Earth’s Planetary exorcation
Assuming it was just a personal sin, we might consider consumption as merely an indulgence. However, the cost varies depending on the location in the world. The The fashion industry contributes 10% of global carbon emissions And Contributes to 20% of global wastewater contaminant emissions (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). The average lifespan of electronic devices has been reduced by e-waste, leading to a significant reduction in its lifetime 50 million tons per year , much of it ending up in developing or third-world nations with poor disposal infrastructure (U NE nvironment Programme, 2024)
Then there’s the matter of the problem Planned obsolescence Products are designed to break, expire, or be outdated in a short time frame, leading us to switch to buying the same or other products from the brand Computers that sluggishly slow down after software updates, clothing that becomes frayed after washing, and furniture that remains unmanageable are all intentionally designed by design The outcome is a planet that is overrun with garbage
Escaping the Consumerist Trap
The matter at hand is not solely about our dietary habits but also our food intake What is the reason for our consumption of food? Consumption entails seeking happiness through ownership, but the solution is to change our perception of happiness and fulfillment
Mindful Consumption: The Importance of Nobility The easiest yet most challenging action: Avoid temptation to buy. Pause before buying something. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this or am I being manipulated?”. The Guardian’s research indicates that individuals who intentionally reduce their purchases experience greater levels of life satisfaction
The Transition From Being to Being: The future is not about buying, but rather renting, sharing, and reusing. The rise of rental models for electronics, furniture, and other rentable items demonstrates that many purchases don’t require ownership or access to the market. By transitioning from ownership to use, we can extend the lifespan of products and minimize waste
Experiences Over Things Despite extensive research, it is intuitively known that experiences produce longer lasting happiness than possessions. Those are the moments that last longer than opening up to something new. Happiness is not about things; it’s about living as one. Nevertheless, the desire to spend money remains strong and experiences are disregarded in comparison to readily available products
Financial Literacy as Resistance Debt is the hidden lever of consumerism Our spending, debt, and work habits increase as we accumulate more money to pay for things we no longer enjoy. Understanding money is essential for achieving financial independence, including budgeting, investing, and breaking free from the habit of spending until the end. The less we buy happiness, the more we have control over our lives
AN ew Approach to Assessing Wealth:
Consumerism promotes the notion that having more is a result of being more. Rather than accumulation, true wealth is measured by contentment. A fulfilling life is not a burden of riches, but rather one that provides for purpose, experience, and connection
The task at hand is not to completely reject consumption, which would be unfeasible, but to regain control over it
The key to buying with purpose, spending with cognizance, and accepting that the best things in life are rarely worth it
The article was first published on my LinkedIN newsletter The was made to sound like ‘YourSound Killer’
To thank me for this post and demonstrate your value, you can either buy me a coffee or scan the QR code below to get my next cup of coffee in addition to subscribing to my publications
