Help, we’re under attack!

Hyper-consumerism in the age of social media

Walking out of the store, $120 poorer, felt right. I was content with my purchase. The next day, I did not feel as good about it. On the third day I felt an overwhelming amount of guilt over the money I had spent. I felt cheated, vulnerable. This familiar feeling was followed by a period of self reflection. “Why did I spend that?” “Was it worth it?” Of course not, it never is. I couldn’t help but feel angry that I let it beat me again. Consumerism- 1, Caroline- 0.

Consumerism controls us- It is a fact of our time. Advertisements are imbedded in every part of social life with this underlying message: “Buy, buy, buy!” There is no way to escape exposure. Even architecture is being restructured to navigate consumers in a certain direction of shopping malls and retail stores. We are puppets in a puppet show. And there are numbers to prove it.

According to an article by Business Insider from 2011, consumerism means debt- a lot of debt. The article reports that the average American had nearly $8,000 worth of debt back in 2010. Additionally the article reports that the average American consumer is 2 months late on paying back their credit card bills. What does that say about our spending habits?

There is no denying that we are victims of businesses and their advertisements. But we have a voice. The silver lining in all of this resides in the fact that there are outlets to help customers receive the best possible service.

Despite the reality that Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram are constantly flashing ads of the next latest and greatest, resources are available to ensure that our purchases are at least worthwhile. That is the beauty of customer service.

Services like GripeO and Yelp give the power back to consumers. Now, we have the means to be heard. In a world of Hyperconsumerism, one person is no longer an individual voice. They become lost in the masses and their individual needs are neglected. The time to be heard is now.

For the first time in the history of consumerism, the consumers have the power to make their voices heard. The outlets to demand quality of service are the most efficient they have ever been. So why be afraid to use your voice?

Use these resources and take the power back. Unhappy with your new purchase? Take the time to ensure your money was well spent and address the problem. At the very least, your complaint or helpful tip might save another fellow consumer from a frustrating experience.

Now that many of these businesses have Facebook pages and Twitter handles, consumers can take their qualms to a virtual realm where these issues become public domain. Everyone can see. And it doesn’t stop there. Websites and mobile applications have been created to take these issues to the business directly, like GripeO, for example. As these outlets advance, so should the demand for quality.

Time and money are more valuable than ever. As consumers, we make ourselves the victims when we fail to acknowledge that something has gone wrong. Have the wrong shoe size? Send them back. Ask for free shipping. What do you have to lose? The potential that they may so no? Fine. So don’t go back. And let others know. Were in this together in more ways than one. Don’t be a victim. Be a voice.