Global consumerism is driving our planet’s destruction. Often times these products are cheap to buy and cheap to make. Thus, they end up in landfills to degrade and destroy our water and soil “system” as well as contribute to global warming by methane emissions. This consumer spending pattern spans all retail sectors.

consumerism is an economic theory that states an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable (merriam-webster). consumerism began its great ascent after the industrial revolution when goods could be manufactured in great quantities, at lower prices, and delivered to the masses. …

In general, consumerism has five main positive elements, including:

• Increases economic output and creates jobs.
• Leads to increases in wealth for companies.
• Promotes competition between companies.
• Allows for a large variety of goods and services.
• Improves the quality of life for people.

How To Break Free From Consumerism: The Minimalist Lifestyle

1. #1 – Create Room For What Is Important.
2. #2 – No Bargain Hunting.
3. #3 – Do Not Focus On Material Possessions.
4. #4 – Do Not Organize But Purge.
5. #5 – Keep Everything Clean.
6. #6 – Make A Wish List.
7. #7 – If You Do Not Use It, Lose It!

A Minimalist’s Top Seven Strategies for Avoiding Consumerism

1. Limit exposure to commercials by limiting TV viewing.
2. Limit temptations by avoiding superfluous shopping.
3. Shop for birthday and special occasion gifts year-round.
4. Resist the urge to spend gift cards right away.
5. Monitor your email subscriptions and guard your inbox.
6. Choose carefully how you spend your time.

Avoiding Information Overload in Designs

1. Keep things simple. The less information you present – the easier it is to understand.
2. Keep it relevant.
3. Keep it clear.
4. Provide supporting information.
5. Provide balanced information.
6. Make it clear what is to be done with the information.
7. Make it easy for the user to take action.

Likes on social media are addictive because they affect your brain, similar to taking chemical substances. Likes symbolize a gain in reputation, causing you to constantly compare yourself to your peers.

However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as: Inadequacy about your life or appearance.

Advertisers and social media are subtly and effectively controlling our minds by controlling our attention. Facebook, CNN.com, SnapChat, Twitter, Netflix, etc. are all in a race for our attention. These algorithms are so good they can almost always select the best piece of media to keep your attention.

Social media has the ability to both capture and scatter your attention. Not only does this lead to poorer cognitive performance, but it shrinks parts of the brain associated with maintaining attention.