Materialism among teenagers has become a significant cultural and social phenomenon, influencing their values, behaviours, and interactions. This essay explores the reasons behind this trend from the perspective of an English studies lens, examining the interplay of societal influences, media, and psychological factors. The purpose of this analysis is to understand why teenagers often prioritisematerial possessions and to evaluate the broader implications of such attitudes. Key points of discussion include the role of consumer culture, the impact of social media, and the psychological drivers of materialistic tendencies. By engaging with these themes, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of teenage materialism, supported by academic evidence and critical reflection.
The Role of Consumer Culture
Teenagers today are immersed in a consumer-driven society that equates possessions with personal worth and social status. In Western societies, particularly in the UK, consumer culture promotes the idea that happiness and success are tied to material wealth. As Dittmar (2007) argues, materialism is often a learned behaviour, shaped by cultural norms that glorify consumption. Teenagers, being at a formative stage of identity development, are particularly susceptible to these messages. For instance, advertising campaigns frequently target young audiences with aspirational imagery, suggesting that owning certain products—whether branded clothing or the latest technology—equates to social acceptance. This pervasive cultural narrative arguably instils a materialistic mindset, as teenagers internalise the belief that ‘having’ is more important than ‘being.’ While this perspective offers a broad explanation, it is worth noting that not all teenagers respond uniformly to consumerist pressures, suggesting individual and contextual variations.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media platforms have further amplified materialistic tendencies among teenagers by creating environments where comparison and validation are constant. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often showcase idealised lifestyles, with influencers displaying luxury goods and curated aesthetics. According to Kasser (2002), exposure to such content can foster a desire for material wealth as a means of gaining social approval. Teenagers, eager to fit in or stand out, may feel compelled to emulate these lifestyles, even if it means prioritising material acquisitions over other values. A study by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2019) highlighted that young people report increased anxiety linked to social comparison online, which often manifests as a drive for material symbols of status (e.g., designer items). However, this argument must acknowledge that social media’s impact varies depending on usage patterns and individual resilience, indicating a need for further exploration of its nuanced effects.
Psychological Drivers
Beyond external influences, psychological factors also contribute to teenage materialism. Adolescence is a period marked by a search for identity and self-esteem, and material possessions can serve as tangible markers of self-worth. Dittmar (2007) suggests that teenagers with lower self-esteem are more likely to adopt materialistic values as a compensatory mechanism to feel valued or secure. Furthermore, peer pressure plays a critical role; teenagers often feel the need to conform to group norms, which might include owning specific items to avoid exclusion. This psychological vulnerability, combined with the developmental need for belonging, can drive materialistic behaviours. Indeed, while this explanation provides insight into individual motivations, it also raises questions about how broader societal structures shape these insecurities in the first place.
Conclusion
In summary, teenage materialism can be attributed to a confluence of consumer culture, social media influences, and psychological drivers. The societal emphasis on consumption, reinforced by targeted advertising, shapes young people’s values from an early age. Simultaneously, social media exacerbates these tendencies by fostering comparison and the desire for validation through material means. Additionally, psychological factors such as low self-esteem and peer pressure further compound the issue. The implications of this trend are significant, potentially leading to long-term prioritisation of material over intrinsic values, alongside increased mental health challenges. Therefore, addressing teenage materialism requires a multifaceted approach, including education on critical media literacy and fostering environments that value personal growth over possessions. Future research might explore how interventions can effectively counteract these influences, ensuring a more balanced perspective among young individuals.
References
- Dittmar, H. (2007) Consumer Culture, Identity and Well-Being: The Search for the ‘Good Life’ and the ‘Body Perfect’. Routledge.
- Kasser, T. (2002) The High Price of Materialism. MIT Press.
- Office for National Statistics (2019) Children’s and young people’s experiences of loneliness: 2019. ONS.
