Some individuals argue that consumerism benefits society, whereas others believe that its effects are predominantly negative. I believe that consumerism negatively impacts societies by promoting a materialist culture.
Consumerism has many positive effects on society. In fact, it significantly increases the industry in any country promoting buying new things, such as latest mobile phones, cars, and smartwatches. Consequently, demand rates for such things increase over time, because companies persuade people to buy their things and make them believe these things will make them happier; as a result, these companies pay taxes to their local governments, raising the state economy. For instance, in the USA, during the global collapse, many companies tried to persuade the population to buy their wasteful products in order to raise their income.
On the other hand, many people think consumerism brings a materialist culture, which makes people utilize or need unnecessary things or services. Additionally, it leads to waste of natural materials, so it damages the environment. In fact, it prompts materialism, which causes waste of money and creates a throw-away society. For example, a recent statistic established on countries that allow advertising for unnecessary services in television and those which refuse, demonstrates that people waste a significant portion of their salary on things they do not use as they expect.
In conclusion, consumerism has a positive effect in industry; in contrast, it encourages materialist cultures , so governments should regulate the advertisements that make consumers buy wasteful things.