Consumerism Post 1:
Consumerism is the constant cycle of buying goods and services, often linked to the
idea that acquiring material things brings personal satisfaction. While it does help drive the
economy, I cannot help but focus on its downsides—how it often benefits the rich and
powerful, while leaving the rest of society to deal with the fallout. From exploitation to debt
culture and social inequality, it feels like consumerism comes with more problems than
benefits, making it one of the more troubling aspects of modern life.
To fully understand the topic of consumerism, I would like to explore the question: "How
does consumerism negatively impact society, particularly in terms of economic and social
injustices?"
2 Devil's Advocate Comments:
When I posted this a few hours ago, I did not take into account the many categories
that consumerism can affect. I mentioned a small aspect of it, highlighting the
disadvantage of social inequalities, but after some thought, I am now also curious to find
out whether consumerism has a negative correlation with topics such as ethics and
popular culture.
Peer 1 Response
This is definitely a component we should consider when formulating our research
question. In my post, I mostly discussed the disadvantages of consumerism, but you
mentioned how the advantages of consumerism can also affect everyone's consumer
habits. Now that you have brought it up, I think it would be best if we have a research
question based on a side-by-side comparison and contrast.
Peer 2 Response
Consumerism, in a way, has its own marketing. "If we buy this, we feel happier." What
we often fail to consider is the limited time we have with these objects and services. You
raise a great point on this, and it is important to note that there is indeed a cycle. When I
read your post, it made me think of the perfect connection. In the last three years, I have
bought the same pair of Nike shoes multiple times and developed a bond with them.
Each time I purchased them, I felt a sense of satisfaction. Initially, I relish the thought of
tossing out my old pair, but eventually, the new shoes also wear out, and I find myself
buying a new pair again. This is the cycle you mentioned. Every object we buy—in my
case, new shoes—eventually loses the excitement it brought, and the feeling fades
without a second thought. Now I just put on my shoes, walk out the door, and focus on
my day instead of obsessing over shoes that I know will wear out in the coming months.
