2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E5: Is Consumerism Improving Our Lives?

Is consumerism in India really making our lives better?

Or is it a trend everyone is chasing because of FOMO?

From the latest gadgets to fashion trends, the young generation is bombarded by ads, influencers and social media. But at what cost? Are they even thinking about the consequences of overconsumption?

This week, the roundtable isn’t here to judge, it only unpacks how Gen Z deals with the pressure of staying on top of trends with the mindset of "buy now, pay later".

In the new episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu is joined by Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO (Grocery Retail), Reliance Retail], two industry veterans who bring their years of experience and wisdom to the table, alongside Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company), the next-gen leaders who are unafraid to confront the world head-on.

If you've ever bought something just to feel better or questioned where your money’s going, this episode is for you.

Here’s what went down:

1. If 70% of iPhones in India are sold on EMI, how do we save for the future or do we even want to?
2. How social media is amplifying FOMO and fueling consumerism.
3. Is consumerism a tool for empowerment or a path to more debt?

Now, get ready for a real conversation about how consumerism affects wallets and mental health. This problem is not shopping; it's purchasing decisions that make a difference in your life.

Tune in to hear from both sides of the spectrum, and let us know if you also feel trapped by your own spending habits.

Drop your comments below, and let’s bridge the gap.