In the bustling streets of our cities and the ever-buzzing online marketplaces, consumer culture has taken center stage, defining the modern era with a swipe of a credit card and the click of a button. From the latest tech releases to fast fashion hauls, society’s hunger for the new has never been more voracious.
With the development of modern technology and social media, the term “trend” has taken hold of our lives. Whether it’s a new shirt, water bottle, shoes, or beauty product, there’s always some new product that everybody needs. The need to fit in, and be caught up with the current trends gives these companies the perfect demographic to profit off of. Riley Murray, a junior at Fruita Monument shared why she thinks this generation so badly wants to fit in. “I think it all just comes down to peer pressure and people’s need to conform.”. What can be done to fix this need to fit in amongst the younger generations? How do we backtrack from this consumer-based society that we currently live in? “People just need to embrace originality. We all don’t need all these things. Get what you need and be content with what you have. But of course, treat yourself once in a while.”
But what lies beneath the glossy exterior of consumer culture? Economists and sociologists are tapping into this phenomenon, examining how the relentless pursuit of goods shapes our identities and values. It’s a complex web. On one hand, consumerism drives economic growth and innovation. On the other, it fosters a cycle of endless wants that can be hard to satisfy.
The environmental toll is also coming to light, as landfills overflow and resources dwindle. Activists are calling for sustainable practices and mindful consumption, urging individuals to consider the lifecycle of their purchases. Anna Adams, a junior at Fruita Monument gave her opinion on the environmental effects of consumer culture. “I think people need to stop throwing their clothes away, and recycle them or give them to thrift stores. The school even has its own thrift store, so it’s so easy to not throw your clothes away.”
As we navigate this world of shiny new things, the question remains: can we find balance in the age of excess, or will the siren call of consumer culture lead us astray? Only time, and perhaps our own choices, will tell.
