Whenever you open a social media app, there are some folks who are always buying new clothes, new gadgets, new phones, new cars, new anything-under-the-sun these days. Then there would be bunch of folks who are always posting about their latest bags, fancy dinners, concerts, parties, vacations or a shopping haul. Look, you can for sure assume that I'm being jealous here or may be I can't afford these things. But, truly, I can, and maybe I already do. I just don't understand what's the need to post this for the world?
But seriously, why are people buying new iPhones every year? What happens to the old ones? I got mine in 2023, and it works perfectly fine. The last iPhone I bought myself was in 2017 or 18, and I used it until 2023, when it literally died on me. Five years! Why replace something that works perfectly well? And it's really not just about phones. I have a friend who orders desserts almost every other day. We live in downtown and the dessert shop is just 5-7 mins by walk. I have another friend who seems to be buying clothes all the time. There's always something to shop for, something to eat, something new to try.
I too love good food, nice clothes and sometimes gadgets too. But like sometimes I wonder, when does enjoying something turn into constantly wanting more of it? People nowadays are wanting more and more, wasting more and more. What is it? Excitement...like dopanime rush? Or is it social media making us feel like we're missing out if we aren't constantly buying, upgrading or experiencing something?
Maybe I'm sounding just like a millennial, but I feel like this excessive consumption gives me a little ick these days. I like using things until they actually stop working, wearing the same clothes without worrying if someone has seen them 17 times.. I'm all for enjoying life and spending money on things that make you happy. Absolutely do that! But there's a difference between buying something because you genuinely want it and buying something because, well, you haven't bought anything this week.
