We see consumer culture everyday on the internet. YouTube is filled with haul videos, made by influencers who never repeat outfits. This is a problem because people buy more and more to satisfy our desire to try new trends that are changing every day. 

What Is Consumer Culture?

The official definition for consumer culture is “Consumer culture is a form of material culture facilitated by the market, which thus created a particular relationship between the consumer and the goods or services he or she uses or consumes.” Credit

Why Is Consumer Culture Harmful? 

Consumer culture is environmentally devastating. With consumerism there is a rise in demand for more products, hence more companies needing to supply the masses with more and more products. This creates increases polluting emissions, land-use and deforestation, and accelerates climate change. 

How Can I Consume Less?

The first step to minimalism is the mindset. The anti-consumerism mindset means that you avoid buying new things constantly. Use what you have and when you run out of said item, ask yourself if you really need to buy it again. The next time you see a trend, ask yourself how long this will last. Will you still wear that top in a year? If the answer is no, don’t buy it. 

Additional Information: 

This blog post outlines the consequences of consumer culture also, and I liked what they had to say. Check it out! Social Media Class with Dr. Vrooman: Haul Videos and Consumer Culture: Manipulative or Necessary? (comm339tlu.blogspot.com)