The Illusion of Needs: How Consumerism Traps the Young Generation

Why are so many young people today living paycheck to paycheck, buried under debt? Because modern consumerism has convinced them that they must “plant all the grass” (a Chinese idiom for chasing trends), “check all the boxes,” and celebrate every invented holiday. Consumerism constantly manufactures new desires—then happily lends you the money to fulfill them.

If consumerism is a sword of temptation, then consumer credit is the axe of financial ruin. Beneath the glittering facade of capitalism lies a battlefield littered with the financial corpses of ordinary people — a feast for vultures and hyenas.

No one is born dreaming of endless consumption. At first, we simply want dignity, love, and freedom. But then:

• Real estate developers tell us: “Own the city’s luxury, live a life of prestige.”
• Jewelers whisper: “Diamonds are forever, just like true love.”
• Car brands declare: “Freedom is the open road—just go.”

Just as you’re about to walk away, consumer credit swoops in: “Don’t worry, you can pay in installments — just hand over your future time.”

People don’t crave truth—they crave illusions. And whoever feeds them those illusions becomes their master.

Consumerism as a Modern Religion

Consumerism operates like a ritual sacrifice, turning people into devout followers of materialism, where products become symbols of an idealized self. Believers endlessly chase these symbols, hoping to become the person they imagine.

• You buy a luxury car on credit to “keep up appearances.” Soon, you feel your clothes aren’t fancy enough.
• Then your watch seems too cheap.
• The cycle never ends—until debt forces you to sell the car. And when you do, you feel relief.

Why? Because the car was never about transportation — it was an illusion, a false identity. Every purchase is just a poor imitation of the person you wish you were, a fleeting high of fake self-improvement.

Like a worshiper praying to a silent god, you pour everything into a ritual that will never fulfill you.

From Traps to Full-Scale Psychological Warfare

The term “consumerism trap” is outdated. Traps are static—today’s consumerism is more like machine guns, artillery, and intercontinental missiles, relentlessly bombarding our minds.

Modern marketing doesn’t just sell products — it sells identities:

• “You’re adventurous? Then you must travel, skydive, scuba dive!”
• “You’re a foodie? Then you must dine at Michelin-starred restaurants!”
• “You’re disciplined? Then you must post gym selfies, chug protein shakes!”

And crucially—you must broadcast it all on social media to validate your new identity.

Under consumerism’s influence, people increasingly define themselves by what they buy and judge others the same way. We sneer at others’ choices while desperately seeking their approval — a collective Prisoner’s Dilemma where everyone loses, except the hidden hands of capital.

Even When You Know, It’s Hard to Escape

You might rationally understand that diamonds are a scam, but in a twisted way, their uselessness becomes the point. Buying one becomes proof of “irrational, reckless love.” The diamond no longer matters—what matters is the performance of devotion for your partner and society.

When everyone’s watch shows the wrong time, your correct time becomes meaningless. You have to adjust—just like in The Emperor’s New Clothes, where no one dared admit the truth until a child shouted:

“The emperor is naked!”

That moment breaks the illusion.

The Rise of Anti-Consumerism

Today, more young people are waking up:

• Rejecting debt.
• Prioritizing savings.
• Cutting unnecessary spending.

They realize that beyond sunlight, air, and food, there are no true “needs.”

No matter how many exploitative clauses life throws at you, always add one final line:

“The final interpretation of this contract belongs to me.”

Because in the end, freedom isn’t bought—it’s claimed.