The idea that material goods are the pathway to more fulfilled lives has entered the American consciousness, and it will both inhibit people’s efforts toward happiness and damage our society as a whole.
Consumers are constantly hit with advertisements and promotions telling them that some product will make their lives more complete. According to the American Marketing Association, the average American is exposed to approximately 10,000 ads a day.
From reality television shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” to movies such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” and music such as contemporary rap and pop, materialism is evident in many facets of our culture.
“I feel like when kids see it, that’s what they see as happiness — materialistic things,” said freshman communication major Michael Shapiro. “That definitely forms the way the younger population thinks. It definitely does influence people in that direction.”
While it is true that cherishing material goods over life experiences and proper values leads to unhappiness and a decrease in social cohesion, it would be unwise to assume that materials themselves are the issue.
“Friendships and relationships should come first, but there should be limits on that,” Shapiro said. “If you don’t have any money at all, then that would come into play.”
Food, water and shelter are necessities we all require, and therefore, when it comes to those living paycheck-to-paycheck, more money is more closely correlated to increased well-being. However, the correlation begins to weaken drastically when acquiring items becomes a coping skill to deal with poor mental health.
The primary danger that comes with a materialistic outlook on life is that it results in a false perspective on what will bring long-term happiness. That perspective can cause a vicious cycle of purchases, never truly satisfying the void that’s trying to be filled.
According to a survey by The Huffington Post, one in three stressed Americans admit to shopping as a means to deal with anxiety.
If we measure our success or worth on the quality of what we own, we can never truly be satisfied because, as time progresses, newer and newer models and devices will be available for purchase, urging us to keep spending money.
What would make happiness more attainable would be for us to gauge our success on the quality of what we are a part of — good friendships, strong family relationships and communal ties. These are not things that we tire of quickly, nor are they things that we crave more of once we have them. They are, however, aspects of our lives that can be neglected and forgotten because of materialism.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, and that’s why the most treasured experiences are with others. Students should not place materialism above their relationships and experiences. When material items begin to take the place of people and experiences, our health suffers.
