Materialism
Materialism is a concept associated with the possession of wealth. It is a belief that buying and having control of something provides extra happiness within an individual. Most Americans have the impression that material possession improves an individual’s life and also their social well-being. Contrarily, studies reveal that materialist encounters lower social and personal well-being. Materialism involves much spending, which on the side of life increases debt, creates a reduced way of saving, and a source of depression among individuals. Living in a robust confined economy alters an individual mind on wealth accumulation. As a result, a person finds himself trying to adapt to the high standard of living associated with materialism. This essay explains how the possession of wealth affects an individual’s perception.
According to Howell (2014), many individuals get carried away with neighbors or close individuals’ ways of living. The high living standards demonstrated by close associates increase an individual’s morale of having the same lifestyle. As a result, one uses all the limited resources he/she has in trying to imitate neighbors’ way of living. Although the outcome pleases an individual, happiness is short-lived. It is a source of problems due to repercussions linked to the idea. It deprives an individual of an opportunity to enjoy life and, in turn, puts him/her in a lot of complications. The high spending spree leaves one in a debt and bankruptcy state.
Vandana and Lenku (2014) portray the role of media in increasing the rate of materialism. Marketers use enticing advertisements to lure mostly children’s attention towards their products. A survey carried out in the U.S., U.K., and India shows children are becoming more materialistic than in previous years. Marketers take this opportunity to influence children towards their products. Due to frequent advertisements on televisions and other media, children find themselves involved in unrealistic possessions. Advertising enhances their capabilities of possessing attractive items, which results in materialism. The rising materialism harms children as it makes them dissatisfied and less confident individuals. Advertisement, therefore, increases significantly materialistic aspect among children.
The human brain plays an essential role in deciding the types of products to purchase (Nobel, 2014). The neurons in the brain seem to decide on the purchase of items. Without depending on the price tag, the mind chooses what appears excellent and relevant to it. Moreover, the brain relies on the usefulness of the product. Therefore, the quality of the work and the positive effect it carries necessitate their purchase. Besides, the desire sometimes controls the way the brain operates and behaves but at a lower rate as compared to the importance of an item. The human brain works towards finding a fundamental requirement than just possessing any other wants or need.
Americans currently encounter reduced personal savings rates due to the increase in loan debt (Novotney, 2008). New methods of advertisement and cultural shifts towards consumerism promote growth in loan debt. The current deficit in American is a result of more people’s involvement in excess spending. Furthermore, dealing with a difficult situation, being under stress, and meeting deadlines at work involves extra expenditure. Society, therefore, forces the Americans to continue spending on the purchase of items. The availability of advertisements everywhere persuades people to buy items hence, leading to financial difficulty. Financial complication is responsible for the marital crisis among Americans. To combat these financial crises, a psychologist should give proper guidelines on wiser financial decisions and help individuals resist some of the advertisements.
Thomson (2013) demonstrates that materialists enhance their happiness through the acquisition of properties, which they believe can change their lives. They seem to overspend and, as a result, find themselves in credit problems. Despite repercussions accompanied by overspending, materialists do not recognize that in time. Surprisingly, materialists show happiness towards items beforehand than after purchasing and owning the things. The process of thinking before the acquisition of an object seems to boost materialist happiness moods. Besides, the gladness is short-lived immediately after the purchase of the preferred item. As a result, researchers demonstrate that it is the experience of shopping and buying that makes materialist portray a cheerful mood. The ever-growing desires among individuals make them remain consumers forever. Human beings do not get satisfied and always want to have more within their vicinities. The dissatisfaction approach allows them to purchase relevant items endlessly. Although the practice affects them financially, little attention is given to that provided individual’s mood is catered.
In conclusion, materialism seems to provide and give many individuals the happiness they deserve without considering the monetary aspect. In most cases, materialism arises due to the individual’s desire to imitate a neighbor or friend’s lifestyle. An individual is not threatened with the financial constrained involved in the process. As a result, they use all means to achieve their goal. The human brain also helps in deciding on the purchase of an appropriate item without relying on the pricing involved. It values its relevance. The advertisement also increases the rate of materialism through the use of appealing adverts. Unfortunately, materialism demonstrates some negative impacts, such as debt associated with it. The desire to possess several items with minimal funds is quite challenging. As a result, many people risk-taking loans, which at long last affects their stability.