All articles tagged with #consumerism
A BuzzFeed editor highlights reader-submitted frugal tips that backfire, showing many popular money-saving hacks—from DIY projects and coupons to chasing the cheapest gas or early-morning flights—cost more time, money, or effort than they save, urging smarter budgeting and a focus on meaningful savings.
BuzzFeed gathered reader anecdotes on 19 highly anticipated items that didn’t live up to the hype, from Black Friday deals and subscription TV to air fryers, vinyl, Dubai travel, brunch, Disney remakes, and superhero movies, highlighting how inflated expectations often clash with reality.
Apple unveiled a designer pocket accessory called the iPhone Pocket, but online reaction labeled it unnecessary and wasteful, sparking a broader debate about consumerism and environmental impact. Critics on Reddit and elsewhere argued the item promotes needless purchasing despite sustainability pledges, with discussions suggesting alternatives like repair, thrift, or simply reducing consumption.
Pope Leo XIV closed the 2025 Holy Year by condemning consumerism and xenophobia, emphasizing themes of welcoming strangers and promoting peace, while also initiating discussions on church liturgy and overseeing major public works in Rome. The year saw a record number of pilgrims and a historic transition to an American pope, with preparations for the next Jubilee in 2033.
Starbucks' limited edition Bearista Cold Cup sparked a frenzy with long lines, fights, and reselling at high prices, highlighting excessive consumerism and societal issues amid widespread criticism and online debate.
The article discusses how wellness influencers are promoting unscientific health advice and supplements, exploiting women's dissatisfaction with traditional medicine, and contributing to a growing industry driven by profit rather than evidence, leading to a collapse of trust in medical expertise.
The Outer Worlds 2, releasing on October 29, 2025, features humorous in-game Flaws like 'Consumerism' that mock players' shopping habits by offering a discount at the cost of earning less, along with other quirky traits like 'Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome' and 'Easily Distracted,' adding a meta-humorous layer to gameplay.
A Reddit post highlights growing frustration with pervasive advertising at beaches, including sky banners and digital billboards, reflecting concerns over the encroachment of consumer culture into public spaces and its environmental impact, with many viewing it as dystopian.
North Korea is increasingly mimicking Western consumer culture through fake brands, modern resorts, and digital payments, despite international sanctions and its isolated economy, as part of Kim Jong-un's efforts to project prosperity and attract foreign currency.
Amazon is extending its Prime Day into a four-day event, dubbed 'Prime Week,' with more timed deals and exclusive offers for Prime members, but critics argue this expansion worsens opaque pricing practices and consumer exploitation, risking further overextension of consumerism.
The article questions the necessity and abundance of gift guides available to consumers, especially during the holiday season, highlighting the overwhelming nature of marketing strategies aimed at boosting sales.
The commercialization of self-care has contributed to a rise in loneliness by promoting individualistic and consumer-driven practices that isolate people rather than fostering social connections. While originally rooted in collective well-being and political activism, modern self-care has become a lucrative industry that preys on insecurities and perpetuates a cycle of solitude and consumerism. True self-care should involve communal support and social interaction to address the root causes of loneliness and improve overall well-being.
The New York Times' Strands puzzle is a word search game with a daily theme, where players find words related to the theme and a special word called a spangram. Today's theme hint is "Consumerism," with the spangram being "LUNCH MONEY" and other words including BREAD, BACON, LETTUCE, DOUGH, CABBAGE, CHIPS, and CLAM. Players can unlock hints by finding valid words not part of the theme, and the difficulty varies each day.
Trader Joe's mini canvas tote bags, originally priced at $2.99, have become a viral sensation, with resellers listing them on eBay for exorbitant prices up to $1,000. The limited-edition totes, which sparked chaos and frenzy among shoppers, have unexpectedly turned into a status symbol and a subject of fear of missing out. Despite disapproval from Trader Joe's, the bags have sold out quickly, prompting the company to announce that more will be available in late summer.
The debate over YouTube's impact on the automotive community continues, with some arguing that it drives consumerism and overspending for clout, while others see it as a valuable learning tool. YouTuber Mike Burroughs provides a transparent financial breakdown of his two-year BMW E30 build, revealing that even with doing the work himself, he spent nearly $20,000. The video highlights the potential costs and influences of YouTube car builds, emphasizing the need for viewers to be aware of potential ulterior motives.