By: Johanne Mendoza
The use of e-commerce increased rapidly in capitalistic countries during the coronavirus pandemic, since it provided house-bound individuals with instant gratification, fast shipping and momentary happiness. Many companies that hoped to ride this wave of success have hired social media influencers to push their products, making many people feel as if they’re “out of the loop” for not having the same things that others do. This sort of comparison causes many of us to feel unsatisfied with what we have and to always want more.
If we believe that having products is necessary to achieve the “perfect look,” then it’s easy to get wrapped up in buying things we don’t necessarily need. Buying the newest hair curling tools or the perfect head is not necessarily what creates genuine happiness, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee satisfaction. Manufacturers even tell you to call customer service if you’re unsatisfied!
The happiness we derive from physical items usually lasts only a few days or until the products are no longer considered trendy. People who constantly shop for the newest things often find that their satisfaction quickly leads to discontentment.
I have certainly fallen into the trap of following buying trends to be perceived a certain way. However, after reading the book “If Cats Disappeared from the World” by Genji Kawamura, I realized that the material things we collect don’t always add lasting value to our lives.
Getting the best out of life is actually about all of the interpersonal connections we make. Some of those connections can turn into happy memories, lifelong friendships, sweet moments with the family, or even a strong bond with your favorite pets.
Cynics may point out that such connections could also lead to agony over complicated conversations, the aching pain in your chest after heartbreak or even nights spent crying on the floor.
But even though relationships can sometimes cause more pain than tangible products, I’m convinced that the connections we make now will mean the most to us throughout our lives.
I am not condemning anyone for making purchases that will bring them joy. Acquiring tickets to attend a concert with friends or family, taking time to go on a nice vacation or even purchasing a sweet treat to reward yourself after a long week are all great ways to create memories while nourishing yourself.
It’s essential to stay aware of why we want specific items and to find a balance with the purchases we make to avoid making impulse purchases we may regret after they arrive at our door.
Let this article be a reminder that we don’t always need the newest things we see advertised on social media. Finding the root of the “why” in our spending will bring perspective to our purchases, which may help us avoid overconsumption in this digital age.
