2026-02-07
Maybe consumerism is not just status seeking?
Disclaimer
Main
- In some previous posts I've written, I seem to have very quickly assumed that most people who spend their money in excess of basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc) are primarily doing this to gain the approval (or avoid the disapproval) of other people. And that many people are either lying to themselves or others about what actually motivates their behaviour.
I am now less certain about this hypothesis.
What I still agree with
- We definitely have data showing how happiness doesn't seem to correlate with wealth, beyond a certain net worth. I think this data is correct and important.
What I am unsure about
- Exceptions may exist
- This data is an averaged out result. Maybe some people are in fact happier.
- I now think atleast some people I've met are being honest with me and themselves that their life satisfaction level has permanently gone up as a result of some hobby or purchase they made.
- Maybe this is a skill issue? Like, maybe lots of people do have atleast one way they can cheaply and quickly purchase more happiness, but they're not skilled or motivated enough to figure out for themselves what that is. Ofcourse, I could easily then claim that the lack of motivation to explore, is also the same groupthink.
- What are the purchases?
- Maybe it is worth tracking more closely what the purchases actually are. What is the definition of consumerism? Maybe some purchases are more valuable to people than others.
- I think the most important axis is probably long-term versus short-term. I am more likely to believe someone that purchasing X actually increased their long-term happiness level, if they repeatedly purchase X over a long time period, including when their group context changes. If someone travels to a new city, claims they enjoyed it, and then gets bored after a few days, I'd consider it more likely that this didn't actually increase their long-term happiness level. If someone travels to a new city and stays there for few years, I'd consider it more likely that this increased their long-term happiness level.
- Another axis people commonly track is objects versus experiences. Like, purchasing a new footwear, versus travelling to a new city. I don't think this distinction is that important.
- Another axis people track is consuming versus creating. I haven't yet formed an opinion on this.
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