The Weight of Wealth: Social Media and Spending Habits

This chapter explores how economic uncertainty shapes the behaviors and stress levels of young adults, particularly through the lens of social media's influence on wealth perceptions. It highlights the normalization of luxury indicators and the psychological effects of comparison, leading to impulsive spending behaviors facilitated by digital payment options. The discussion addresses the consequences of financial tools like Afterpay and the broader implications of market fluctuations on consumer expectations and anxiety.