Overconsumption: The Epidemic of the 21st Century

America is being held captive.

By Sophia Cappawana

 

Overconsumption has taken over America. Over the last several decades, many Americans have found themselves craving “more.” More Stanley cups, more clothes, more decorative items, more purses.

But when does it end?

This is not about your grandmother’s collection of porcelain angels. This is about America’s overwhelming need for more stuff that has no foreseeable end by its captives.

 

A Modern Crisis

In today’s culture, people are anxious for the “next big thing.” Everyone wants the new gadget, right now, and they want a lot of it. The craze over Stanley cups boomed with the rise of TikTok and Instagram influencers. It never occurred to TikTokers and Instagrammers that they already had a perfectly fine double walled stainless-steel cup at home. This behavior has made people increasingly wasteful, and marketing strategies used by these companies are tailored to encourage it. Companies eagerly work to convince consumers that they need a new Stanley cup in a different color. The new color doesn’t change the effectiveness of the cup; it simply encourages overconsumption.

Overconsumption is dangerous and can quickly lead to wastefulness and even gluttony. Epidemics spread and an epidemic like this can spread even quicker with the use of social media and social media influencers.

Some, such as extreme couponers who go from store to store finding the best deals, might argue that saving money is worth the excess consumption. Having 40 identical bottles of laundry detergent, however, is simply not necessary. Buying in bulk is not an issue. Stocking up on essentials or everyday products can be simply smart planning. Problems arise when people begin to consume so much that it knows no end.

 

Dangerous Addictions

The effects of overconsumption are dangerous, but remain unnoticed for a long time. A person’s consumption addition often starts small. It may start with buying a couple different cups for work, working out, and casually around the house. Then, they find themselves buying more. And more. Until one day, they have such an excess of cups that they could never possibly use them all.

This behavior is referred to as “destination addiction” where a person claims that if they just had “x”  or if they just did “x” they would finally be happy and satisfied. Destination addictions can quickly spiral out of control.

Destination addictions and overconsumption can become so overwhelming that it overtakes and controls people’s lives. Their money is spent faster than they can make it and they find themselves depressed and searching for the next best thing. Most alarmingly, consumers often don’t realize that they’re suffering from a consumption addition, something which is incredibly detrimental to their standard of living. 

 

What can be done?

The biggest, and admittedly the hardest, thing that can be done to combat overconsumption is a mindset change. Thankfully, such as change has already begun to slowly catch hold through the trend of minimalism.

A mindset change is hard to enact but can be done by becoming de-influenced by social media, a place where many find their next consumption obsession, and by focusing primarily on what you need for day-to-day life. Buying clothes you will wear multiple times, selecting functional and practical dishware, and utilizing deals for items you need. Most importantly if something it works, keep it!

The best and easiest avenue for creating this change is through the next generation at home, within the family.

Parents, you have immense power to instill your values into your children. The easiest solution to the epidemic of overconsumption is to teach your children to appreciate what they have and that that they do not always need the “next best thing” to live a full and happy life. To answer the question posed at the beginning of this article, overconsumption ends when gratitude begins.

 

 

About the Author

Sophia Cappawana is a sophomore at Grove City College majoring in Political Science. Sophia, as a seventh-generation resident of Duncannon, PA, was elected to Duncannon Borough Council after serving six years as a junior council member. She serves on the Finance, Administration, and IT committee as well as the Revitalization and Public Safety committee.

Sophia participates in the Spanish Club at Grove City College and serves as a TA for Dr. April Knupp. Her hobbies include reading and following Hershey Bears hockey. She has taken multiple Political Science classes and enjoyed taking Political Philosophy and the Christian Intellectual Tradition, Faith and Public Life, and The American Presidency.  

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.

Cover Image: Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash (Cropped)