The High Price of Materialism

Video by New Dream

Psychologist Tim Kasser discusses how America's culture of consumerism undermines our well-being. When people buy into the ever-present marketing messages that "the good life" is "the goods life," they not only use up Earth's limited resources, but they are less happy and less inclined toward helping others. The animation both lays out the problems of excess materialism and points toward solutions that promise a healthier, more just, and more sustainable life.

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Written by: Tim Kasser
Illustrated by: Anthony Maughan

[mensxx]

i used to spend money on branded clothes, shoes, bags, wallets.but not anymore.now i have learnt to spend money more wisely such as increasing my knowledge and getting fitter.

[singleplayermoments]

Materialism can never fill the void. I work in a school. Every day I converse with kids, teach them, help them. It brings me so much joy, I wouldn't change it for all the money in the world.

[Izahdnb]

My top tip is travelling. Experience and meet people from other cultures. Which people are most happy? The most care-free? The nicest people?

[PetrPitakM]

In other words, materialism and consumrism affects people's mind in a similar way as drug addiction does.

[lalagirl]

Remember, we're all born with nothing and we'll all die with nothing. Possessions don't mean too much!

[dennisn]

For me. The older i got, the less i cared about owning everything under the sun. Been there. Done that. Im over it.

[KikuchiYumi]

Thanks for making this video. I totally agree with it. Living in Hawaii, appreciating natural beauty every moment. With coronavirus, the ocean and sky look cleaner than ever. We do not need so much stuff to be happy, but need to eat healthy, to move (exercise), to sleep in clean bed, to keep our body clean and to wear washed clothes, and to have family and friends to care for. It is good time to know what is vital and what is not for your (my) happiness.

[eliocosmos]

An hour ago I was at Best Buy about to buy a surround sound system just because I could--it was almost like I was hypnotized. Then I made myself snap out of it and walked away, promising myself I'd go back tomorrow and buy it if I still felt the need to have it. It passed, but it's like a powerful craving.

I have a flat screen TV in my apartment and no furniture. I use the box the TV came in as my coffee table. I have no sofa and sit on my yoga mat. What the flying fuck would I do with a surround sound system at this point??? lol

[LabRat]

I have no friends because I'm not materialistic and have fluid mindset. When most people are rotten, it's easier to be rotten so you can socialise

[godisinside]

Nowadays people are living robotic life, we should understand that we are human being and, we need love, affection, communication, and transfromation.

[GeorgeKaoCommunity]

1:05 “Research consistently shows that the more people value materialistic values and aspirations as goals the lower their happiness and life satisfaction and the fewer pleasant emotions they experience day to day. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse also tend to be higher among people who tend to value the aims encouraged by consumer society.”

1:35 “Scientists have found that materialistic values and pro-social values are like a seesaw, as materialist values go up pro-social values tend to go down. This helps explain why people act in less empathic, generous, and cooperative ways when money is on their minds.”

2:05 “Studies show that when people strongly endorse money, image, and status they are less likely to engage in ecologically beneficial activities.”

2:35 “We need to understand what causes people to prioritize materialistic values. For instance studies show that people focus more on material things when they feel insecure.”

3:00 “Scientists also know that the more people are exposed to the media the more they prioritize materialistic values.”

3:30 “The second principal for change involves promoting intrinsic values for growing as a person, being close to one’s family and friends, and improving the broader world.

The research shows that intrinsic values not only promote personal, social, and ecological well being but can also act to immunize people against materialism.”

[Zoei]

This just made me happier already.
It is difficult to escape the idea of consumerism and materialism, rather than following your passions in life.

[BlueFace]

Thank you, finally some sense! I used to be a shopaholic and I spent way too much money. It did NOT make happy obviously. I hate how so many of us act so greedily and only think of ourselves and buy non stop and not get anywhere. It has got to stop

[jcarter]

We are WAY overexposed as humans. How many times a day are you bombarded with an ad or subliminal coercing to buy something. Snack, soda machines, supplies and even stupid trinkets are now in elementary schools (don't send your kids with more cash than lunch). We get hit on the Internet, YouTube, other social media, busses, cars, your favorite shows, musicians and their songs, commercials on tv, buildings, billboards, clothing your friend wears. How many times have your kids or somebody else not know what they wanted around Christmas, so they peruse catalogs and BOOM! They really want it now! They didn't needed it 5 minutes before, but now they do. We no longer buy out of necessity so companies have us by our feet because we are WEAK as individuals.

[palmtree]

In the lyrics of Devo “Freedom of choice as what you got, Freedom from choice is what you want.”
Great video, I’ve always know this.

[ReassuringSmile]

I spend money on experiences that can enrich my life. traveling.... getting my pilot license, scuba cert... etc

[yolo]

great message. all spot on. re-purposing items instead of buying them, making gifts instead of buying them, watching nearly zero hours of tv, are a few ways i've been avoiding the consumerism game. just a small step can make a big difference.

[VikasDhavaria]

This video is really old and I don't know if you will read my comment or not.

Your message is really deep, sharp and clear. But still you have to put too much efforts to convey it to others. You have to make so many drawings just to convey a simple message. You can simply say this message in front of a camera. But you know, in this way, no one will listen. Because people need entertainment. Too much entertainment for all the time. This is also an impact of consumerism.

I know that you know this but still... I just want to say.

Thank you. ❤️❤️

[erees]

Thank you for all the tips - adding Ad Block to my internet now!

[jessa]

I won't lie. I had to rewatch this because it's 1 am and it was so satisfying to watch you draw... Awesome message though!