The Modern Trap of Materialism

Do you often mindlessly scroll through online sites looking for the trendiest outfit even though your wardrobe is overflowing? Or maybe you hesitate to step out of your house without carrying the latest smartphone or donning a fashion aesthetic that every other person seems to be having around you. If you relate to such issues, you’re not alone. Such is the society we live in; the obsession with materialism surrounds us in ways we don’t even realise.

Thus, there is no subtle way to put it; materialism is the value placed on the increasing amount of goods and wealth that satisfies status. At first sight, it may look harmless or motivate people around the world. However, if we look closer, we will understand that this particular way of thinking brings along huge expenses; our well-being, our families and friends, and the earth we live on. Let’s discuss what the effects of materialism are with the hope that we can find ways to lead a much more wholesome life.

Materialism and its manifestations

In the beginning, materialism was discussed as a philosophical concept, which viewed that nothing exists except matter and movement (Scott et al., 2014). Now moving to the present, this notion has shifted to a more consumer-based interpretation. Following this idea, success and happiness are defined by the acquisition of material goods (Richins & Dawson, 1992). With the rise of capitalism, materialism as it manifests today, values consumer goods, items of luxury and other possessions that symbolise social status and achievement (Markdale, 2024). This mindset is largely influenced by advertising which encourages consistent purchasing, making even little children susceptible (AskanAcademic.com, 2019).

Read More: Use of Psychology in Advertising and Marketing

Ask yourself: have you ever come across an advertisement and without realizing it strong feelings that a solution to a problem you did not know existed was needed? They are meant to create “false needs”, resulting in a perception that owning the next bestseller, or the new hairstyle can elevate happiness, one’s status or even self-worth which is extremely troubling (B, 2017).

The role of Social Media and Trends

This gets taken up a notch via social media. There is an over-saturation of glamorous images which makes you miserable because life without such fancy aesthetics does seem boring. A good example is the ‘that girl’ trend which gives off the impression that one’s workout is useless without perfectly matching athletic attire (Sims, 2022). Or the craze with Stanley cups that people bought only because they were marketed as essential for hydration when a regular water bottle does the same thing anyway (Busch, 2024).

Read More: How does social media materialism bring both stress and unhappiness?

The Psychology of Materialism

Materialism does not only occupy space in our houses, it occupies space in our minds as well. One way or the other, buying things we don’t need can be associated with hedonism – here, we mean the pursuit of pleasurable experiences. So, what’s the problem exactly? Well, the problem is that this feeling of elation, which comes from clicking on the “add to cart” button, lasts only for a short period. People feel the desire to buy more of these products because the first purchase appears to be less exciting than expected (Lcsw, 2023). That’s how a vicious cycle of buying, collecting and dissatisfaction forms.

Materialism is also known to foster insecurities. Have you ever felt the pressure to own a particular brand of phone or wear a specific type of shoe just to feel socially accepted? You’re not imagining it. Some studies show very explicitly that people with certain brand logos on their clothes are perceived as more attractive, or more successful (Nelissen & Meijers, 2011). There is a lot of social pressure where self-worth is rooted more in material possessions, which is sad because it only provides very temporary gratification.

Implications for Relationships

It’s in our relationships that the impacts of materialism can be felt most intensely. The modern conception of love as a basic physical attraction is popularised by dating applications. These apps entice users into scanning for a “better” match by offering a seemingly endless selection of options. They are also, more often than not, advertising features that require payment, turning the quest for love into a market search (Firestone, 2019).

Read More: Experts Reveal The Psychology behind Dating App Addiction

This attitude does not stop at the virtual world. Research indicates that those who are prone to materialism are more likely to remain dissatisfied with their partners, colleagues and even relatives (Moldes, 2024). What’s up with that? Because in the case of the achievement of the greatest number of possessions, there is no need for the development of real intimacy and connection, people end up being lonely.

Implications for health and environment

Our health doesn’t escape the havoc affected by materialism either. To keep up with the standards set by others in society could be a cause of progressing anxiety and depression. On the physical aspect, fast fashion industries, the epitome of consumption excess, are harmful to the environment and this, in turn, is a threat to the well-being of humanity.

First things first, it’s clear that the cost of materialism is very high. Fast fashion, overconsumption, and single-use plastic materials are killing ecosystems around the globe (Amrilah, 2024). Plastic pollution has always been in the headlines around the world and the straws we once used without a second thought are now the most prominent examples of how humans have harmed the environment.

The Way out of the Materialism Trap

So what is the way to go? Do we need to give up shopping entirely and live like monks? Absolutely not. The answer to materialism is balance, awareness and cultivating a minimalistic lifestyle.

Here’s the thing, minimalism does not stand for lack of something. It stands for purpose in every single purchase. Many people have a loss aversion when it comes to consumption because they know it is cheaper to purchase less but of higher quality. This is also good for the world. When people clear the space around them, they usually also clear the space in their heads (カミラ, 2023).

One last weapon is self-awareness. Ask yourself questions like, what triggers the desire to purchase that item? Is it a feeling of emptiness or wanting to show off? You can identify these styles and choose wisely by practising gratitude and mindfulness, which can also shift your attention from what you lack to what you already have, filling you with greater contentedness. Mindfulness about relationships is equally important. While you are using an app to find someone, do remember that love is not a product, and people are not to be shopping from a catalogue. Rather than superficial quirks in an individual, look for connections that truly set themselves apart; that leads to more fulfilment.

Such experiences are what exceed tangible things in friendships and familial life. Eat, share, and laugh together instead of giving gifts. Such moments will leave strong bonds that shopping cannot replace. Health-wise, simple is best. Instead of chasing after trends that promise a quick fix, it is better to settle into habits that will be carried over; e.g., regular exercise, proper diet, and good sleep. These prove far more effective and less expensive than the latest “must-have” gizmo or supplement.