Written by Yoon Choi
Consumerism and materialism are widespread phenomena in today's generation, and they have a significant impact on adolescent mental health. Teenagers are often bombarded with advertisements, social media influencers, and peer pressure that promote the latest products and trends. This pressure to keep up with the newest products and the cultural phenomenon of "flexing" can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression among adolescents.
One of the most significant negative impacts of consumerism and materialism on adolescent mental health is the pressure to keep up with the newest products. Teenagers are exposed to an endless stream of advertisements for the latest gadgets, fashion, and other products. The constant pressure to have the latest and greatest can cause anxiety and stress among adolescents who feel like they cannot keep up. The ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ (FOMO) can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can negatively impact mental health.
In addition to the pressure to keep up with the latest products, teenagers may also feel pressured by the worth of the products that they already own. The cultural phenomenon of "flexing" involves showing off expensive possessions on social media and in real life. Consequently, this can create a competitive environment where teenagers feel like they need to have the most expensive or trendiest items to feel accepted or to show off to others. As a result, this can lead to a feeling of worthlessness and low self-esteem for those who cannot afford or keep up with the latest trends.
Comments