We are living in a material world..... But you don't have to be a material girl (or guy!).
I am currently researching the relationship adolescents have between materialism and self-esteem for a research paper that is due in a few weeks. While I want to write about that topic on Steemit as well, the more macro look between materialism and personal well-being of people all ages has struck a cord with me.
What can philosophers, theorists, and theologians across many different cultures all agree on? That focusing on material possessions can decrease your quality of life.
It wasn't until the mid-1980's and early 1990's that researchers began exploring if a persons well-being is negatively associated with a strong focus on material items. These researchers found that U.S. respondents reported less happiness and life satisfaction and that they believe money and possessions are the key to happiness and success in life.
A study conducted in the mid-1990's suggested that materialism leads to negative self-appraisals when responding to advertisements. This means that someone looking at an advertisement feels that their life can be as carefree and happy if they go out and purchase the product that is being marketed to them. We all know this is a lie right? Stuff and things won't actually bring you this satisfaction. When people orient toward money and expensive goods, they see these advertisements that suggest they are insufficient in one way or another and buy into this consumer culture.
How do we break away from this consumer culture that has entrapped most of us since childhood?
Here are a few ideas:
Limit the amount of television you watch. Cable is saturated with commercials for products that you didn't know you needed until that moment.
Read more books. Less magazines equals less ad's being thrown in your face.
Be mindful. When you go to a store make a list, stick to that list and don't waste time getting sucked into the never ending aisles of stuff and things.
Go for a walk and enjoy nature. Nature has a funny way of bringing me back down to a level headed state of mind.
Pet owners: go hang out with your animal(s). There is nothing more rewarding than playing fetch or curling up on the couch for a nap with my dogs.
Trying to unlearn what we have been brainwashed to think by advertisements and marketing ploys goes against our natural instincts. How does the saying go? It takes 21 days to form a new habit? I think we can do it.
What are some ways you combat consumer culture? Let me know in the comments section.
Cheers,
Simkat