The world is increasingly caught in a cycle where consumerism, with its emphasis on luxurious lifestyles, wealth accumulation, and constant travel, has become the norm. Amidst this frenzy, something critical is often overlooked—the growing divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. This social gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is expanding, as the top 1 percent enjoy unparalleled comfort while much of the world grapples with poverty, inequality, and related hardships.

Today, a large part of society is confined to a consumer-driven culture that prioritizes wealth and status. This culture not only encourages but often pressures individuals to flaunt their prosperity through branded commodities. Living the “good life” is no longer just about personal satisfaction; it has become about broadcasting one’s affluence. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat have transformed daily life into a showcase, with people increasingly displaying their designer clothes, watches, cars, and homes. The focus on luxury and opulence is not just a personal preference but a social expectation.

In this process, individuality is gradually lost. People have, in effect, become commodities themselves, defined by the brands they wear and the trends they follow. Instead of embracing unique identities, many feel pressured to fit into the molds that media and society promote. As........

© The Spine Times