On Social Media Scrutiny, Minimalistic Groceries and Buying Things You Don't Need
This month, we dive into why we buy, how we feel about Twitter, and how we can go into debt because of one small purchase. Peeling back a layer, we explore the relationship of minimalism and groceries, how social media makes us feel watched, and the nuanced connection between a French philosopher and his dressing gown.
Image: Glen Carrie, Unsplash
Image: Sarah Dorweiler, Unsplash
Image by visuals, Unsplash
The Social Media Trap
The internet is vast and all-encompassing. And it can easily feel like an empty abyss to get lost in. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Everything you do on the internet can be tracked, cataloged, and traced back to you. More and more people are becoming aware of this. And as we realize we’re never truly private when we go online, we have altered our behavior to match. The constant scrutiny of our peers (real or perceived) means we’re less likely to take risks, less likely to be honest with our opinions, and more likely to stagnate. So if you stay on social media, be true to yourself. It may mean taking criticism, but criticism is worth it to not be psychologically chained by a big brother of your own creation.
The Genius of No Name’s Brand
Lao Tzu once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” And if that’s true, then the Canadian grocery brand No Name is the most sophisticated in the world. Their basic yellow and black packaging has developed a cult following and kept them relevant for decades. But what makes them so popular? As it turns out, a few things. Separation, consistency, and limitation are all important parts of their brand identity, and ones anyone looking to create a successful brand should implement.
The Diderot Effect: Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need
Have you ever gotten something you don’t need? Sure you have. But have you ever wondered why? For the answer, we can look to the French philosopher and writer Denis Diderot and his dressing gown. Upon receiving the new robe, he began to notice that the rest of his possessions were ragged in comparison. He bought fancier and fancier items to balance things out, replacing items over and over in an attempt to find balance, and eventually went into debt. So, how do we avoid his fate? Other than staying away from dressing gowns, you can create spending limits, consider your options, and avoid your consumption triggers. Let control and reason win over fancy robes.
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