Consumerism in itself isn’t inherently bad. It promotes economic growth, creates jobs, and fosters innovation. But given how out of hand it has become in recent years, many would argue that it is a double-edged sword.
Among those who have grown fed up are members of the Anticonsumption subreddit. Day in and day out, they call out the worsening state of materialism in today’s society. And if you scroll through the page, you may see how depressing it has become.
Here are some of the posts from the community that perfectly capture how problematic consumerism has become.
#1 Tired Of It
Image source: throwaway8373469238, lady-griffin.tumblr.com
#2 I Was So Disgusted By This Ad
Image source: MidnightOrdinary896
#3 They’re Editing Digital Books To Contain Ads Now
Image source: happy_bluebird, x.com
The Anticonsumption subreddit’s one-liner bio concisely and ambiguously expressed the drawbacks of consumerism. However, experts have explicitly discussed them over the years, including how it affects a child’s well-being.
A study from the University of Macau found that youth materialism has been linked with a dip in self-esteem, along with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation.
#4 Be So Real With Me Rn
Image source: ckptolt
#5 The Pollinator Crisis
Image source: Melinda_Kelly
#6 Is This The Capitalism Breeding Innovation They’re Talking About?
Image source: thebidredcouch
What’s worse is that it turns into a toxic, seemingly inescapable cycle. According to a study by the University of Chicago, the depleted self-esteem among children and adolescents increases their materialism tendencies.
Researchers have found that material possessions have become a primary coping mechanism for their feelings of self-worth.
#7 God Is Rewarding Me For Buying Secondhand
Bought a jansport from a secondhand store and found 100$ in one of the pockets.
Image source: r0adt0ad
#8 11 Kilometers/6.8 Miles Down
Image source: TheCABK
#9 When Did Billing For Holidays Become Normal
Image source: Ericnrmrf
According to Lan Nguyen Chaplin, a marketing professor at the University of Chicago, one of the many roots of the problem is when parents use material things as a form of punishment or reward.
“In the long run, there’s this focus on material things, and kids grow up to place a greater emphasis on material things as a sign of success and achievement,” Chaplin told National Geographic.
#10 Same Cycle Over & Over Again
Image source: Kpyto
#11 I Hate How Normalised This Is :(
Image source: bitch_is_cray_cray
#12 Single Use Children Novelty Waste Is The Worse
Image source: MemoryTM
Then there is the advertising that kids are exposed to, whether on TV, on the social platforms they navigate, or on YouTube ads they see at the start of every video.
“Kids don’t even realize what an advertisement is when they’re young—they just see something, and they think it’s great,” University of Missouri marketing professor Marsha Richins points out.
#13 Single Use Phone Chargers
Image source: Such_Illustrator_226
#14 This “On Sale” Marketing Should Be Illegal
I researched this exact model of blender online and checked the price at many stores. Just as I expected, it has NEVER been priced at 85.99 at a single vendor. This type of behavior is predatory and manipulative.
Image source: Africannibal
#15 Radicalized At 30
I so wish this wasn’t the one brand that helps my perpetually dry, painful skin. Thanks to this sub, I’ve been cutting open the containers to get every last bit that the pump “conveniently” can’t reach. I wish this was illegal.
Image source: amyleewannabe
So, how do we stop this cycle? Chaplin urges practicing gratitude and giving, for one. But more importantly, she calls on parents to foster a loving and harmonious relationship with their children.
“The secret here lies in spending time with your kids, communicating with them, and fostering a positive sense of self,” she said.
#16 Offline Is The New Luxury In An Age Of Constant Digital Consumption
Image source: Subtle_Seekerr
#17 $30 (400%) Price Difference For An Identical Product
Image source: RespawningUncle
#18 Ridiculous Packaging
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#19 Netflix “Thanks” Me For 22 Years Of Membership
Image source: spiff-o-matic
#20 Jumbo Plastic Tic Tac Box Filled With Mini Plastic Tic Tac Boxes
Image source: Cluejuices
#21 College Move Out Day!
Image source: NickMatocho
#22 Sick Of The Overwhelming Amount Of Mail I Receive Daily Decided To Make Art Out Of It
Image source: Mindful_Exercise
#23 Our Management Decided That We’re Not Allowed To Adjust Our Baking Volumes On Our Own
Image source: Fit_Lecture_9274
#24 I Hate It Here
Image source: Useamelonballer
#25 The 4.4 Trillion Dollar Company Needs Another Revenue Source
Image source: Outrageous-Bass-3226
#26 You Know The Craze Is Over When
Image source: daliagon
#27 Unethical Companies Stopping ‘Undesirables’ From Using Their Clothes
Image source: 21Kuranashi
#28 I Made This Timeline About A Year Ago And I Think It Will Forever Be Relevant
Image source: Sturgeon_Swimulator
#29 The Type Of Thing You Would See Evil Corporations Do In Cartoons
Image source: Conscious-Quarter423
#30 Have You Stopped Flying Yet?
Image source: mushroomsarefriends
#31 Finally, An Ad I Can Agree With
Image source: heavyweight123
#32 Heb Raised The Price By Covering The Old, Lower Price With A “Low Price” Tag
Image source: tezacer
#33 We’re Expected To Ditch Plastic Straws But This Is Somehow Okay?
Image source: PublicTranslator5902
#34 Kohls Makes You Walk Through Two Aisles Of Impulse Buying Junk Before You Get To The Cash Registers
Image source: G-Unit11111
#35 Thrifted Find From The Target Of Old
I thrifted this Target branded sweater today and the quality difference between this piece and(100% Shetland wool) and their clothing today is absolutely wild. I mean, I’m amazed. I had no idea their clothing was ever a solid quality.
It’s sad that one day the thrift stores will be entirely SHEIN items…
Image source: Entire_Kangaroo_9761
#36 Not That Long Ago, Textiles Lasted Us (Almost) A Lifetime
Image source: _CaptainAmerica__
#37 I Sewed The Broke Handle Of My Backpack Instead Of Buying A New One
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#38 Mr Beast Chocolates Not Selling At 90% Off Will Expire Soon And End Up In A Landfill Hypes Over
Image source: Stroov
#39 Quite A Good Sentiment About Gratitude. Our Society Always Pushes Us To Want More
Image source: Bellybutton_fluffjar
#40 Botox Is Nbd And Fun
Image source: PaulHolywoodsShame
#41 No You Don’t Understand, Consumerism Used To Be Wholesome Chungus!
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#42 If It Ain’t Food Or A Candle Dont Slap Food Scents
Image source: AlwaysBlaze_
#43 Ever Wonder What Happened To Folks Who Panic Hoarded Tp During Covid? They’re Still Stuck With It
Image source: jtho78
#44 What Shein Sent My Roommate
My roommate orders from SHEIN a couple times a year and I can’t stop her but recently she’s been getting weird stuff before her packages come like this.
Just more plastic before she receives her plastic clothes wrapped in plastic!
Update: She got her items a few days later
Image source: Conscious_Trade8128
#45 Reused Crayons
We collect old, used, and broken crayons from my kids’ schools and make these new ones! The silicone candy molds were given to me from a friend. They are easily cleaned and used again and again. Can curate a cute little gifts for folks between color selection and the mold choice. Kiddos love making them too.
Image source: CassowaryMagic
#46 No Amount Of Recycling On An Individuals Part Will Undo The Waste Made By A Single Walmart
Door dash and spark make it worse bc whatever doesn’t get picked that day get tossed in the morning.
Nothing less then town wide, city wide, county wide efforts will make a difference. Its really sad. I want to be proven wrong.
Image source: TeaInASkullMug
#47 We Throw Away 200+ Lbs Of Clean Rubber Every Week
Image source: MagnusonCustomStamps
#48 I Have Literally Been Using The Same Laundry Basket Since I Was In High School
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#49 If It Helps I Guess
Image source: FreddieFredd
#50 Removing Branding With 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
Image source: WithLove07
#51 Who Designs Lotion Containers??
Image source: senoritagordita22
#52 Trash Has Gotten So Bad In Congo, Artists Started Making Clothes & Sculptures From It
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, artists are redefining waste by transforming discarded plastic, scrap metal, and tangled wires into extraordinary wearable art. Materials once abandoned in rivers and streets are reimagined as bold, sculptural creations showcased in parades, performances, and public gatherings, where fashion becomes a powerful form of expression.
What started as a creative response to limited resources has grown into a symbol of resilience and imagination. Every piece reflects the ability to create beauty from what others throw away, while questioning overconsumption and celebrating local ingenuity. More than fashion, Congo’s trash couture is a powerful blend of art, innovation, and environmental awareness, proving that creativity can thrive in even the most challenging circumstances.
work of stephangladieu
Image source: McDowdy
#53 A Reminder During Vacation Season To Please Eat Before You Go To The Airport…
Image source: TacticalPeanutButtr
#54 Repurposed Microwave
Image source: Bettlejuic3
#55 The Prices Go Up, And The Cereal Boxes Get Thinner. Duds For Scale
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#56 There’s Nothing He Could Do To Make Me Buy A $9 Coffee
Image source: DriedUpSquid
#57 Instead Of “Customers”, The Chipotle CEO Calls Them “Users”
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#58 Walked Into Kroger Was Hit With Just Such Despair
Image source: happy_bluebird
#59 Sruff Given To My Kids For Valentine’s Day
Image source: InebriousBarman
#60 I’m Taking All The Tiny Plastic Stuff Around The House And Turning It Into Snow Globes
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#61 Toilet Paper Rolls For $8 At Michael’s
Image source: hannah_joline
#62 My Painting Called “Everything Is Disposable”
Image source: a-tribe-called-chris
#63 Your Goodwill Donation Before It Comes To A Store
Image source: anon
#64 Gold Chains
Image source: overaveragenumberten
#65 8645 Candles Lit Yesterday. I Can’t Get Over The Candle Waste
This was from an anti-abortion protest, but let’s not get into cause. What do you think about waste from protests, can you excuse it? Of course it’s easy to condemn if the cause isn’t something one agrees on, but I feel like the most impactful ones are those where it’s the people that show up in mass to show their support. Not the ones where organizers pay big bucks for single-use junk with just a few supporters hanging around.
Image source: bathya
#66 Really Good Article About Why Ppl Feel Poor
Image source: PeanutOnly
#67 3 Tons Of Flooring Offcuts Headed To Landfill
Surely in this modern world of Robots, ‘aware’ computers & self-driving cars, we can think of better use for 3 tons of wood offcuts, than burying it?
This is from a flooring company, who do this every couple of weeks (or more); which equates to a minimum of 78 tons a year, from a single small business, with only a handful of staff.
Imagine the scale of waste worldwide!
Image source: Dollbeau
#68 When Did April Fools Turn Into Actual Product Launches?
Image source: Z0nana
#69 “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” Bag Charm
Image source: LoudParsnip
#70 Whole Foods Selling Jam Jars With No Jam For The Same Price As Jam Jars That…include Jam
Image source: ittollsforthee1231
#71 Apparently Plastic Trinkets Are The New Way To Bond…
I just started a new job and I feel like I hit the work culture lottery.
Since the moment I stepped foot in the office on my first day, everyone has been super kind, supportive, approachable etc., and they all have great personalities that mesh together perfectly with mine. I get along with everyone so well, it’s insane. I can really see a future at that place.
Just one, tiny issue: this one coworker will not stop leaving these miniature, plastic ducks everywhere. They buy a huge pack with like 500 and litter the office with them. They’re all over the place, in every nook and cranny, and my coworker constantly gives me more to put on and around my desk. Not only are they completely and utterly useless, but they’re incredibly annoying as they constantly fall over all the time and do nothing but get in my way when I have to move my monitor, or my desk is packed with files. I’ve tried to arrange them on the deserted corner of my desk but no dice, they still infuriate me, and they’re just adding up little by little . My coworker is very kind and I like their personality a lot, so I don’t want to come off as a jerk, especially so early, because I recognize that this is their way of kind of “bonding” with me, and I appreciate that, I really do. But I don’t know, I guess I need to figure out a polite/subtle way to say “hey, quit giving me this wasteful, useless stuff”
Image source: BothAd9086
#72 What Do You Americans Think About Big Pickups?
Image source: Specialist-Gur5029
#73 Local Youtuber Thinks That Criticizing Overconsumption Is Sexist
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#74 Ah Yes Because I Want Children’s Blood On My Hand
The notion that a natural diamond is in any way superior to a lab grown one is absolute malarkey! Their chemical composition is exactly the same! Sure they might have microscopic differences but the overall composition is not! I’m not really a diamond person anyway but what are your thoughts?
Image source: gayfantrash
#75 Two Sad Things
Number one: trends end up at the thrift.
Number two: the thrift charges extra $$ for beat up, trendy items.
Image source: Hot-Solution7787
#76 Netflix Gives This “Error” Message Everytime I Try To Cancel My Membership
Image source: mleonhaedd
#77 My Parents Always Send A Toy Version When They Can’t Get The Actual Item In Time For My Birthday…
I have no kids nor children in my life. I have no use for the plastic versions. It’s “cute” symbolism, I guess, but it’s damn wasteful and gives me something else to have to deal with…
Image source: JDMiller95
#78 After 1 Single Day Of Wear
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#79 Bought From Etsy To Avoid Amazon, And It’s Still Coming Through Amazon
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#80 Please See Image
Image source: BombshellGinger
#81 28k Original, 8K On Sale
Image source: thesky_watchesyou
#82 I Reused A Vanilla Bean Container For Ibuprofen For My Bag
Image source: GettingOnMinervas
#83 Home Cooking Because Fast Food Prices Are Straight Up Out Of Control
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#84 Psa: Kindle Deletes Side Loaded Content When Connected To WiFi
Wife bought kindle for me as a present from the thrift for like $5. I Side loaded a bunch of books onto the device via my laptop. I Never connect to wifi on the device , I’m currently on a trip and mistakenly connected to wifi, 90% off my books were suddenly gone. I looked it up and apparently it’s built into the software that the kindle store/software recognizes non purchased content and removes/deletes it from the device(went wifi is enabled) It’s Bullshit because I’m on holiday and didn’t bring my laptop. I’ve got all the content backed so nbd. I should have been more careful. But it’s a prime example of how the internet trap can be used to manipulate our digital ownership. Lesson learned. Hope this helps someone else’s out.
Image source: ArtAccurate9552
#85 We Don’t Have To Destroy The Earth While Destroying Each Other
Image source: ElusiveRodent
#86 Saw This On The Seattle Sub
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#87 This Nut Broke The Nutcracker After 48 Years Of Service
Image source: Defiant-Stomach-4605
#88 What Do Stores Like Walmart Do With Seasonal Clothes After The Season Ends?
Image source: oatmilksavesall
#89 Roommate Still Has His First (And Only) USB-C Cord
Image source: FishesOfExcellence
#90 “I’ll Just Donate It”
Today as I was dumpster diving at a thrift store to recycle metal, I witnessed staff dump hundreds of champagne flutes and drinking glasses into the trash and turn them to dust. I watched bin after bin of them get tipped in, smashing almost all of them. This picture was only after a few bins of glasses, there were far more. The reality is that clear glassware and basic porcelain is not desirable, and the vast majority, regardless of condition, ends up in landfill. I wish people would be more mindful of this when deciding to purchase glasses. Also, anything personalized immediately ends up in the trash so all wedding favors and the like are goners if donated.
Image source: Thatgaycoincollector
#91 Remember When A Company Tried Making Single-Use Dvds?
Image source: NoNameStudios
#92 When I Saw This I Was Repulsed
Image source: AssociatePresent3884
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