Reading 9: Consumer Culture, Well-Being, and Personal Change

1. Reflect on a recent purchase. Did it provide lasting satisfaction, or was the benefit short-lived?


One of my most recent purchases was an expensive cologne. When I made the purchase and wore it for the first time I was extremely satisfied with it as got many compliments. As I kept using the same cologne, I noticed that I was getting less compliments as people were getting used to the scent and this reduced my satisfaction to my previous level. Through this reading I learned that is the concept of hedonistic treadmill. 

This experience opened my eyes to how consumer culture encourages continuous consumption with any lasting fulfillment.




2. How do you feel about your current consumption habits? Do they align with your values?

 I feel that my current consumption habits only partially align with my personal beliefs and values. This is mostly due financial constraints of being a college student. Currently, I prioritize convenience and affordability over anything else and this leads me to make less responsible decisions although I'm quite aware of my decision's impacts on a broader scale.


3. Can you think of an example where people created positive change? What does this tell you about impact?

The strongest example I can think if would be the global movement to reduce or completely replace single use plastics. The current Gen Z trend of using stylish totes bags that's usually made from hemp is a growing contributor to this. Older generations have adopted reusable grocery bags as well. This is a classic example of how individual action can multiply and create an actual positive change in society.


4. When your actions align with your values, how does that feel? What is one action you could take?










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