As defined in the dictionary, materialism is a preoccupation with or an emphasis on material objects, comforts and considerations with a disinterest in or a rejection of spiritual, intellectual or cultural values. Naturally, as human beings, when we see something that looks appealing, we immediately like it and have a desire for it. We want what looks good to us. From generation to generation, humans have turned this natural wanting into a sort of worship. Society tells us the more you have, the more you’ll be worth, the better you look, the more likeable you’ll be. This philosophy is engraved into our minds mostly by social media. Our well-being and the conditions of our mental health are dampered by a need to impress everyone else. Constantly money is being wasted on worthless items in order to meet the newest trend. Nothing else matters as long as you have the newest piece of clothing, or the best IPhone, right?
Over 3 billion people-half the world’s population-live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion people live in extreme poverty living on $1.25 a day. However, in our more developed nation, we buy things we do not need because we are obsessed with the materialistic things we have, rather than being grateful for the essential things we have. Yes, if you have extra spending money of course people are going to buy extra, fun things. I do this because I want things that can make everyday life more enjoyable. But when it comes to buying to impress, the fun almost comes out of it. The constant want for more and more is unhealthy. Studies show that people who become more materialistic ruin things such as good relationships and their independence. People would rather buy the latest technology instead of saving up to travel the world and experience new things. This is because people are consuming instead of experiencing. To our generation, it seems as though nothing will ever be enough.
Psychology Today provides theories for why materialism is taking over. They say, "Many economists and politicians believe that acquisitiveness — the impulse to buy and possess things — is natural to human beings. This seems to make sense in terms of Darwin's theory of evolution: Since natural resources are limited, human beings have to compete over them, and try to claim as large a part of them as possible. Another theory is that the restlessness and constant wanting which fuels our materialism is a kind of evolutionary mechanism which keeps us in a state of alertness. Dissatisfaction keeps living beings on the lookout for ways of improving their chances of survival; if they were satisfied they wouldn't be alert, and other creatures would take the advantage. While these theories could be seen as explanations for humans increasing materialistic ways, there is no real proof that these theories are why we are this way.
I am completely guilty of doing these things myself. I find myself seeing a new trend and immediately wanting to spend my money to get in on it. I walk into stores and reject items because I’m wondering what people are going to think about it. I also am constantly wanting and asking for things I find myself not even using once I waste my money on them. I truly believe that materialism is ruining our society because we are so worried about fitting in and the media continues to push the philosophy that you have to look the best to feel the best.
Do you think materialism is harming our generation? How?
Do you think these theories are true? Why or why not?
Do you think younger generations will continue to be pushed towards materialism? Why or why not?
Replies
Great topic choice, great summary and great job replying Ellie! Be sure to provide a link to the source(s) you used.
I think that materialism affects everyone in the US either in small ways or things that could affect your life. I've never really felt like I was a materialist. Although I do have nice things I've never really felt like this thing would mean everything. My father lived a very rough childhood, so every little thing he got he would be thankful for. So he would always tell me to be thankful for everything I have.
I do think so in a weird way. People feel like they need the latest and greatest Iphone to be cool but in all reality it doesn't make you a better or even higher in status. The people who realize this early are the ones who thrive in this world and rise to the top. I do think that the younger generation will continue this trend of materialism showing that people see what they don't have and they get jealous. They don't value the things that they have that aren't material.
I think it is harming our generation to a certain extent. For example, we have become to reliant on technology. I think the theories are a true possiblilty, but I can't speak to much beyond that because I believe that whatever happens happens. I think many generations to come will push materialism. Unless we change something soon, which is unlikely, we definately won't see materialism going away anytime soon.
I agree, I don't think it's harming the entire generation extremely bad, but it's definetely getting worse. I do think that the theories are possibly true, it would make sense if it was evolutionary and that's why it's being passed on generation to generation.
I do think that materialism is harming our generation. Just as it did with generations in the past, and most likely, the generations to come. Each and every person makes decisions based on what other people will think or say or have in the past. Valuing these items leads to elimination of individulaity, each and every person feels obligated to fit the standards set by society and everyone wants to be socially accepted; most commonly, this is achieved by the spending money on material things.
I agree that it has harmed generations in the past and will continue to harm future generations. Everyone's opinions are forming a standard that we are supposed to follow. I completely agree it eliminates individuality, and takes away people's ability to express themselves how they want without worrying about being judged.
In this day and age, Materialism is definitely causing problems to our health. It feels like every day a new form a garbage technology comes out, and people see it on television and they want it. I totally agree with you that we are spoiled brats that expect our parents to pay for everything for our entire existence. We don't know how to work, and we don't know how to make money. All we do is sit on the couch waiting for our next episode of The Equalizer to come. We need to start needing things instead of wanting things.
I completely agree, our generation has wants, and begin to expect those wants. We have become lazy because we continue to be spoiled with the latest and greatest things. Younger generations will continue this trend because we don't know any better.
Yes, I think that materialism is harming our generation but in my opinion it has been like that in every generation especially in the last century. Social media made it worse for sure, but even before that people used to spend money on useless stuff because they feel like they need it, thinking that an object can make their life better in some way.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next