Is social media making us more materialistic? A recent study suggests it is.
The researchers define materialism as the importance people attach to worldly possessions.
As the report about this study puts it, Facebook and Instagram have become breeding grounds for showing off.
The report says as users sometimes incessantly compare their lives with others, showcasing clothes, cars, and luxurious lifestyles, they can fall into a trap of materialistic desire.
And they say higher levels of materialism can lead to a relentless pursuit for more, igniting a cycle of lower life satisfaction, increased stress symptoms, and a higher risk of addiction to social media.
The study’s researcher say the pursuit of material wealth, when displayed on social media, can have detrimental effects on mental health.
This study is probably not that big a surprise.
Not only do you see boasts about this or that, but all the ads and sponsored messages can add fuel to materialistic desires.
Just something to think about as you scroll through your feed.
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