7 Common Effects of Consumerism

Consumerism is a societal and economic way of functioning that encourages the consumption and purchasing of goods and services way beyond what one may need or require. It stems from a belief driven by large corporations and organizations that the more one has, the happier they are.

Through coercion, manipulation, and social pressure, people are stimulated to buy beyond their basic needs. Consumerism has its roots in lifestyle consumption and upholding one’s status in society.

In the old days, people lived simple lives, buying only what was necessary for survival and comfort. However, as production grew beyond the people’s basic needs, there was a drive to try to sell all these excess goods. In comes persuasive advertising to create demand.

An emphasis on owning things was and is still being pushed as the route to personal happiness and fulfillment. This has its advantages and disadvantages in society. In this article, we will explore the psychological effects that consumerism might have on individuals.

Effects of consumerism.

It is fair to say consumerism is not all bad for society and individuals. Everything taken in the right doses will have its advantages. The competition between those who produce goods and services has made it possible for consumers to have good quality products sold at fair prices. Consumerism has also been responsible for the creation of jobs, innovation, and creativity.

All of which are good qualities to have in a functioning economy. The effects on the individual can sometimes be detrimental as people are pushed to spend even when it hurts them financially and psychologically. Below are some ways in which consumerism has contributed to decreased mental health and general well-being:

Loss of identity.

Material possession can be used by many as a form of identity. Consumerism pushes this narrative that a person is what they have. This makes it hard for people to develop a lasting sense of identity as material possession is not always guaranteed.

Economic strain.

With new products always being produced, consumers need to keep up with the latest trends. This can cause a lot of economic strain, especially when people try to sustain their lifestyle using credit.

Exploitation.

Consumerism applies exploitative tactics to get consumers to buy their products. Huge advertising campaigns encourage reflexive buying without caring for one’s financial or psychological well-being after purchase.

Anxiety and stress.

Stress and anxiety can be on the rise when people feel they can no longer afford to keep up, or get themselves into huge amounts of debt trying to. Societal and peer pressure can contribute to the need for one to maintain a certain lifestyle, even when one cannot afford it.

Loss of traditional values.

An emphasis on material possessions is seen by most as diverting from traditional values like humility, empathy, sharing, and community. It creates an individualistic way of living that encourages competition with one’s neighbor. All of which can result in envy, jealousy, and a disconnection from one’s community and or family.

Negative environmental impact.

Consumerism can lead to over-consumption and disposal of goods which contribute heavily to environmental issues like natural resource depletion, pollution, and waste. This can be a source of guilt and anxiety for consumers.

Social justice issues.

With the rise in demand for goods, comes the rise in production for companies. To curb the costs of production, many companies have been found guilty of exploitative and even illegal employment practices.

Sweatshops, child labor, low wages, and unpaid overtime are just a few examples of how companies exploit their employees to meet the rising demands. This too can contribute to consumers feeling guilty about their purchases.

We can assist.

Consumerism can have a lot of negative effects. If you or someone you know feels they need help with dealing with the effects on their life please get in touch with our offices. At Heath Christian Counseling in Texas, we provide a safe environment with qualified counselors who can assist.