No Stupid Questions 22. Why Do We Buy Things We’ll Never Use?
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May 18, 2025 Dive into the intriguing psychology of why we buy things we never use, like gym equipment and trendy health foods. Explore the clash between our aspirational desires and the realities of consumer habits. The conversation takes a sharp turn as it likens social media to a knife, dissecting its dual nature and its impact on mental health, especially among teenagers. With insights into impulsive buying and societal pressures, this discussion reveals the emotional triggers that lead to clutter and excess.
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Stephen's Quinoa Buying Habit
- Stephen Dubner shares his personal habit of repeatedly buying quinoa he never eats and books he rarely reads.
- This shows aspirational buying can be a private signal of identity or hope for change.
Identity Drives Aspirational Buying
- James March's identity theory explains aspirational buying as asking "Who am I?" and "What does someone like me do?" rather than weighing costs and benefits.
- This underlies buying quinoa or books as performative acts tied to identity more than utility.
Act to Close Identity Gaps
- To close the gap between who you are and who you want to be, act on your aspirations directly, like cooking that quinoa tonight.
- Aspirational consumerism isn’t solved by stopping buying; it’s about aligning action with identity.