We scroll by way of Reels, our fingers gliding mindlessly, our eyes scanning for manufacturers, our brains whispering, “Purchase it!” the second we discover the like rely.
We see an aesthetic — so effortlessly cool that we lose ourselves in it. And immediately, we’d like every thing that matches it! We rush out, shopping for pointless garments simply to suit the look. And our mind reassures us, “You belong now. You’re Clear Lady! You’re Darkish Academia! This espresso makes you cooler!’’ And so, we stroll with a little bit extra confidence, our footsteps hitting the bottom with some function.
Spending cash on these merchandise makes you be at liberty, doesn’t it? Such as you’re in management? However the reality is, each model, each aesthetic, ties you to themselves. The extra you purchase, the extra they win. And ultimately, all you’re actually doing is simply consuming — repeatedly.
Welcome to Consumerism, twenty first Century Version
Consumerism has at all times existed, however by no means like this. Previously, folks largely purchased issues for perform — a coat to maintain heat, a chair to take a seat on, a cup of espresso simply to drink… Now, we purchase issues for identification. You don’t simply purchase a telephone; you purchase the preferred one to indicate standing. You don’t simply put on a jacket; you put on the jacket that makes you a part of an aesthetic. You don’t simply drink espresso; you sip the model, publish it in your story, and let folks know ‘’who you might be.’’
The scariest half? It’s by no means sufficient!
Tendencies shift in weeks, influencers promote new “must-haves” day by day, and what was as soon as a necessity shortly turns into outdated. You’re at all times chasing one thing, at all times spending extra, at all times feeling such as you want only one thing more to be full.
However you might be NEVER full.
As a result of the second you lastly personal the “must-have” merchandise, one other one takes its place. The keenness of unboxing fades sooner than you anticipated. The aesthetic you constructed — rigorously formed, cautiously maintained — immediately feels… off. So, you scroll once more. You seek for the following good factor. And shock! There it’s, ready for you, promising you a greater model of your self.
And the cycle continues.
The reality is: Your identification is just not a product. Your value is just not in your procuring cart. Your happiness is just not hidden inside a brand-name field.
So the following time your mind whispers, “Purchase it!”
Pause.
Ask your self why.
Ask your self for those who really need it, or for those who’ve simply been instructed to need it. Ask your self if it’ll actually make a distinction, or if it’s simply one other momentary thrill earlier than the following factor comes alongside.
As a result of on the finish of the day, no product can provide you what you’re actually looking for.
And that’s the reality they don’t need you to know.