If you’ve opened up social media recently, there is no way to hide from the aggressive unboxing and restocking videos that flood everyone’s explore page. Heaps of fast fashion clothing from Shein, dozens of non-reusable accessories and the absolute waste of products is a common occurrence that I witness every time I scroll.
It is no secret that influencers are constantly receiving an influx of packages filled with near pointless gadgets and items, especially during the holiday season. Meanwhile the majority of these purchases end up being thrown away in a month without ever being touched, so what drives people to constantly consume unnecessary things?
For one, social media is consistently displaying advertisements, urging people to waste their money on something that they “just need to have.” And while this sounds small and ineffective, companies and shops are able to capitalize on popular fads in order to target specific audiences.
Numerous gullible consumers fall into the traps that these ads set, consequently spending money on items that are forgotten about because they go out of style in the span of three weeks. What doesn’t help matters is that people can now buy these trending products with just two taps of their finger.
With the introduction of buying and selling items on social media through TikTok Shop and Instagram, consumption has been made even easier than ever.
Many have estimated that by 2027, the sales commerce of TikTok Shop will be up to $144.5 billion, proving that another reason overconsumption plays such a huge role in society is due to the rising popularity of online shopping.
Over the past few years, there has been a major increase in the use of online shopping companies, most popularly Amazon. These businesses are so enticing because they have made it available to shop from the comfort of your own home while barely having to move a muscle.
Consequently, ecommerce has dramatically affected the retail industry and the entire structure of in store shopping.
Preceding the growth of e-shopping, malls and shopping centers were the places to be, as well as the only source of clothes and other products.
Not to mention, every year around Thanksgiving, Black Friday sales would majorly boost the retail business. Whereas now the excitement surrounding Black Friday has severely dwindled due to the coinage of Cyber Monday that allows for large discounts applied to online shopping websites.
Studies show that the average American spends around $346 every month online shopping, excluding groceries, food delivery services and fast food. That means on average, people spend about $4152 solely online shopping each year.
While many people may not consider consumerism to be a terrible thing, the environmental effects it has on earth are detrimental.
A study performed by researchers at Fordham University illustrated that global consumption is the leading cause of events like deforestation, toxic pollution, climate change and animal extinction due to the amount of waste it creates.
Maybe this will make you think twice the next time you go to order something trendy you see on Instagram.
