These days, many young individuals spend substantial amounts of time and money keeping up with the latest trends, such as flashy clothing and tech gadgets. I partially agree with this perspective as there are several reasons supporting this viewpoint, which will be discussed in this essay.
On the one hand, research has known that humans are social creatures with the innate need to connect, be accepted, and belong to a group. This need has been significantly amplified in modern times by the pervasive influence of social media, where young people are constantly exposed to curated images of the “perfect” life and rapidly evolving trends. This exposure intensifies their fear of missing out (FOMO). As a result, they are compelled to spend readily on the latest fashion and technology to keep up with trends, avoid feelings of inadequacy, and prevent social exclusion as a means of integration and self-affirmation. This behavior not only fulfills their psychological need for belonging but also fosters a sense of connection and solidarity with their community.
On the other hand, while some young people prioritize spending on experience over keeping up with the latest fashion trends, not all of them invest excessive amounts of money or time following these trends. Some individuals have specific financial goals, such as saving money for education, traveling, or investing in personal projects, which guides them to allocate resources differently. Investing in these goals provides long-term satisfaction in terms of both material and intangible value, compared to constantly chasing after fashion and tech trends.
In conclusion, although there are mixed opinions on the real motive behind young people’s spending. I believe that while many spend excessively on trends, others allocate their resources more wisely, such as investing in long-term goals and financial responsibility.