In the current days, consumerism has occupied individuals’ minds, promoting new goods for both fashion and technology industries. Thus, this trend has negatively affected the world by exacerbating the environmental situation and using a cheap labour force in developing countries. This makes this phenomenon more of a drawback, rather than an advantage.
Fashion has been a powerful tool in identifying individuals’ financial and societal status, as it has given a broad variety of options to alter their appearances through consumer goods. Products such as clothes, accessorises, and electronics identify people’s statuses, emphasising their financial ability to afford different lifestyles. This, therefore, allows other people to be involved in communication with authorities and high-ranking representatives, as it highlights a certain level of success.
Although people want to make a strong impression on others by owning the newest gadgets and trending clothes, they are often unaware of the environmental consequences. The ozone layer has been regularly damaged due to the overload of sophisticated equipment at factories, which release enormous amounts of methane emissions. Not only does this toxic compound contribute to the creation of holes in the ozone layer, but it also exacerbates such relevant problems as global warming. Another significant factor that highlights overconsumption as a serious issue is hiring children and young people as a cheap labour force in countries such as China and India. For example, the Shein company was the most successful and widely used Chinese website for global online shopping in 2022. However, users rejected using its services due to the details of their labour culture, revealing the link to illegally hired children.
In conclusion, while consumerism has provided opportunities to affect impressions on people by possessing the latest trends, the negative outcomes, such as neglection of environmental issues and contribution to illegal hiring practises, make this trend more of a demerit rather than a merit.