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Apple News In Conversation

Rebroadcast: Why we keep buying stuff we don’t need

Nov 28, 2024
Join Amanda Mull, a columnist for The Atlantic specializing in the internet's influence on shopping, as she unveils the secrets behind holiday consumerism. Discover how retailers manipulate our spending habits and the shift from material gifts to experiences. Mull offers tips for mindful shopping, emphasizing the importance of minimizing impulse buys and the environmental cost of consumerism. She also advocates for creative and personalized gift-giving, challenging the notion that bigger is better in holiday presents.
20:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The shift from material gifts to shared experiences illustrates a growing awareness of the negative impacts of consumerism on relationships and the environment.
  • Retailers exploit consumer data and emotional triggers to encourage impulsive buying, highlighting the need for consumers to be more mindful in their shopping habits.

Deep dives

Reevaluating Gift-Giving Habits

Many individuals are shifting from traditional gift-giving practices focused on physical items to valuing experiences and time spent together. For example, instead of purchasing material gifts, some people are opting for shared experiences, such as family vacations or meals. This change reflects a growing awareness of the stress and waste associated with excessive consumerism, encouraging more meaningful connections over material acquisitions. By prioritizing quality time instead of physical gifts, consumers can foster stronger relationships and reduce their environmental footprint.

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