Underconsumption Is Bad For The Economy
The Internet's Latest Obsession
Underconsumption is the latest trend that sweeps the internet. It all started with tiktok that eventually picked up underconsumption as a core ( a specific theme/aesthetic) in internet culture. This underconsumption core is basically consuming less, living more frugally and embracing minimalism. However, like many other internet cores, some people approach this lifestyle a little too hardcore. While it seems like underconsumption is a good thing, it is still riddled with things that make you cringe. As the nature of internet culture, it is riddled with out-of-touch influencers who are also trying to bank in on this trend. They make it seem like it is a new trendy concept and something that not a lot of people but actually does. So, safe to say, it was definitely cringe and super out of touch. So, let’s dive in with me to this underconsumption core, the internet culture that actually highlights minimalism again in 2024.
I’ll also talk about why I wrote the title like that a little later.
Is This Minimalism Re-brand or just normal living?
Underconsumption comes as a result of overconsumption that exists within internet culture. People doing hauls, from fashion to even books and bought in excess. It eventually reached a point where people are tired of being influenced to constantly buy, buy and buy. This phenomenon isn’t exclusively happening in the US, almost all over the globe even in SEA, influencers are paid by companies just so we get to buy the newest aesthetic thing from the market. There are also things like the BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) scheme that are rampant across the APAC region. People, especially Gen Z get in debt just to keep up with the trends and the lifestyle. These things don’t really last longer, especially things that are marketed as aesthetics. I am not trying to be a hypocrite here but yes, I fell for it in the past too and since I am mostly reviewing tech stuff, I certainly bought the so-called “aesthetic” gadgets. You can safely say, they don’t last as long as I’d like it to be.
In its core, underconsumption is just basically normal living. For a lot of people, we don’t get to buy/collect stanley tumblr. I grew up in an Asian household and my mother would just use any box for storage until she followed the trends too and we never really do that anymore. We got proper storage. My mother also reuses its plastic bottle despite the fact that we have bottles to use and she chooses to use the plastic bottle that is supposed to be in trash. She would really use anything until it's actually finished. When I was a kid I hated that because that seems like too frugal but now, as an adult I am doing that and finally understood her reasoning.
Why is it cringe?
What really made this core cringe is how some influencers went overboard with it. I watched a video where a girl looks like using expired makeup. People showing shoes with holes and even shirts with holes just to show that they are better than anyone. Reusing the same dress and bags - these are just normal things, that’s what normal people do!
There is always this part of the story and somehow this trend made it to NBC news with the title that underconsumption may lead to the economy slowing down. It could very well be but as always, there’s more to it.
I am all for this core!
Honestly, I am all for this trend, I love that it’s finally a trend and something I could do and fit in more. Is it bad for the economy? I mean if it’s done on a massive scale it could be but really, it isn’t just as simple as that. Under this trend, they are also advocating to spend more responsibly which means not buying things that we don’t need and buying things when we truly need it and from a place that actually sells quality. I suppose who are hurt by this trend is certainly shopping haul influencers that do those for a living. Their job is to influence people to buy more but people aren’t exactly buying, at least for now.
This trend also shows that the general population especially in Asia is also doing revenge savings too. They do not want to spend more, they want to save and slowly, this is picking up in the US. I love that about it that we don’t really consume anymore and focus on savings. As much as the wars, whatever happened out there, it could mean that the young generation still have hope for the future and not maximizing only the present experience.
I think it’s really just normal lives with the people doing this trend are 20-somethings like myself who are entering adulthood, being in adulthood and facing life’s actual responsibility. We got bills to pay and unlike our parents' generation, they ain’t cheap no more.
So, it became quite massive because there are platforms that could talk about it. The thing is unlike minimalism that was once endorsed a couple years ago popularized by The Minimalists duo, there’s no monochrome colored aesthetic to it. This underconsumption core is really just not buying things, stopping consuming things irresponsibly and buying things only when we truly need it.
What do you think about this underconsumption core?
I guess, I’ve been under this core for a long time. I am not the type that likes to buy clothes or anything like that. I even got a comment from my parents the other day that I should ditch my night dress because they have holes and I shouldn’t be seen wearing that. You see, I have that dress from about 7 years ago and has comfy fabric, the comfiest I’ve had. It’s similar to a lot of things in my life where I rarely collect stuff. Even my shoes have holes and I haven’t bought any just because I don’t see the need to purchase one. BUT, I am not extreme. I don’t use expired makeup because they’re not finished. I typically buy enough for me that I know would last a month or two. I don’t also buy in excess and know that if I get something they have its own use and I’ll most likely use it.
And, that’s it. Let me know if you’ve come across this trend in your feed!
 | 𝘔𝘢𝘤 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘢 & 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘳 . 𝘈 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴, 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨, 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴, 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴, 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯! 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘱𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘈 𝘳𝘦-𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘰. |
Being a person that have a strict scale of preference, I am very happy that underconsumption is now a trend.
with this, people will understand that they do not need the excess. hopefully, this gets adopted globally.
!luv
@macchiata, @nwothini335(7/10) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community | HiveWiki | <>< daily
This is almost a global phenomenon and hopefully become the norm too. It's nice to see people start saving up again and not spending recklessly.
its really nice.
!luv
@macchiata, @nwothini335(1/10) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community | HiveWiki | <>< daily
Personally, I'm not a fan of anything that's done solely for the trend. I like the distinction you draw between actual minimalism and normal living a lot - you're right, we've become so brainwashed by this excessively consumerist culture we treat normal life like some drastic step back when it's just... normal.
It's probably bad for the economy in the long run, but then, overconsumption is bad for us (and also, I should imagine, the economy on a larger scale in the long run). So I'll take this minimalist core thingy over excessive 'hauls' any day. (I tried doing book hauls when I was more active on Instagram. Except... I would buy like one or two books in an outing. Is two a haul? How many do you need to buy for it to count, and what if I don't wanna read anything else they got? So many questions!)
Have you seen a book hauls? it's like a box of books and it's honestly too much. Honestly anything with tiktok becomes problematic and problem too. Anything excessive isn't great.
While it's refreshing to see this trend is picking up, I do hope it stays because it's a lot more easier and normal than what minimalism was marketed as. This trend doesn't involve any aesthetic that makes us buy things just so we become a part of the group- that's what I love about it.
I wish I have more time to also join the weekly minimalist prompt, maybe I can make this Wednesday thingy stuff. Anyway, see you around!
I'm not on tiktok, to be honest, and with Instagram, I saw some people doing fewer books like 4 or 5 or smtng. Still. To buy just to show off online seems insane.
Yes to that! 100%. I am very wary of the whole white walls and creepy futuristic furniture stereotype of minimalism, for sure.
You're always welcome. You always have a very refreshing voice.
See ya :D
That's the thing and it's also trendy apparently and there's a whole set of problem that comes with it. Back in the day instagram sort of shapes the way society works and the internet culture, now it's like tiktok but it's a lot more problematic than instagram and tumblr combined haha
This image belongs to millycf1976 and was manipulated using Canva.
I totally agree with saving, and making minimalism a global way of life using what is necessary and creating awareness, of the meaning of saving without wasting on things that do not generate more than visual satisfaction, and then goes straight to the trash, maybe we do not even give proper use even none, it is just comparing to compete in volume purchases, I lived it and I have chosen to be more thrifty and spend on what is really necessary, one of the things that I could not stop myself from buying, was clothes and shoes, I can no longer do it, especially with the economy of my country, and surely if I return to be stable I would have the good habit of taking only what is necessary. ❤️
These days an in this economy being thrifty is necessary. I mean, we need to save up :D even for me, I am still slowly recovering from huge losses and hopefully all things will be settled soon. So, I can save up and build more things :)
Totally right it is so necessary to think that it is not only about spending, it is about thinking about saving to be independent and get out of the debts of the past.🤝💛
I've never heard it called underconsumption core but I really bloody love it.
hahaha yes, it's the latest trendy trends. It'll soon be everywhere and I am also here for it.
Savings is the foundation for real economic progress. "Underconsumption" strikes me as people trying to be trendy without a grasp of the real principles behind it. Saved wealth allows investment and insurance against hard times. I am 100% behind rejection of fast fashion in favor of durable, repairable garments. I support thrift stores, upcycling, and making do with less, but I am skeptical of any influencer trends and tiktok gurus.
That is definitely important, cause not gonna lie, the economy isn't looking great anywhere.
I certainly hope this trend lasts longer with more people are awaken from mindless consumption and getting influenced by influencers to consume whatever that is. Where I am from, a lot of Gen Z are in debt, got into gambling along with is dozen problems following that. So, seeing a fresh new trends that advocates savings is certainly a breathe of a fresh air.
Let's delve into the Builda whale farm on the Hive, Gogreenbuddy, who is also colloquially known as the Marky mark USAINVOTE UPMYVOTE IPROMOTE and 100's more if not thousands this individual has asserted that his intentions behind this initiative are driven by a desire to contribute positively to the community. Now, let's explore what he is earning on a monthly basis from this venture. income is said to be generated through the use of multiple alternative accounts, which he utilizes to cast votes in favor of his own shit content. The community seems to have mixed feelings about this practice many are scared to speak up.
Are you ready to delve deeper into this topic and uncover more insights? If so, let's proceed. It's time to wake up and gain a clearer understanding of the situation at hand.
Buildawhale
Curation Rewards
The Marky mark
Curation Rewards
https://peakd.com/@themarkymark/activities
Usainvote
Curation Rewards
https://peakd.com/@usainvote/activities
Apeminingclub
Curation Rewards
https://peakd.com/@apeminingclub/activities
Gogreenbuddy
Curation Rewards
https://peakd.com/@gogreenbuddy/activities
On Hive a significant issue exists with automatic upvotes consistently rewarding the same individuals day in and day out
We want to address the issue of downvoting. It has caused pain to many people, and we want to make sure it doesn't happen again reply to @jacobtothe
On Hive a significant issue exists with automatic upvotes consistently rewarding the same individuals day in and day out
We hope that those who genuinely care about Hive will reconsider their actions, as continuing down this path could inadvertently harm innocent users who are unaware of these issues
lol the Marky mark keeps dreaming
There's been a notable increase in frustration and concern among many users
Reply 2 @crimsonclad You may consider yourself clever
Reply to @crimsonclad
Consider revising the value plan, as it's not providing significant benefits to HIVE
The Value Plan, as it stands, seems to be a one-sided relationship with the HIVE platform, where the benefits are one-way
Actions indeed speak louder than words, a fact we've all observed individuals may talk a good game, a whole lot of shit, but their actions often expose their genuine nature LOL
We consider it unwise to engage in harmful actions, even if you think you can escape the repercussions
https://hive.blog/politics/@jacobtothe/re-bpcvoter1-shjdc8
The Hive Police aka Hivewatchers, are the real heroes of Hive LOL, aren't they?
Feast your eyes on Hive's trending page, what a load of trash
LoL it's the Hivewatchers Hive Police, dishing out orders like a bakery LOL! Folks, do what you want with your Hive power, just as you please. And you, Hivewatchers, downvote away, but remember, judgment day's coming
Harry fam We're just here, laughing at the shenanigans on Hive! Sure, our content's getting downvoted, but hey, it's all part of the game LOL
https://hive.blog/hive-158694/@hivewatchers/shhnhs
adm [-]
meesterboom [-]
steemcleaners [-]
jacobtothe [-]
logic [-]
chekohler [-]
b00m [-]
celestegray [-]
citizensmith [-]
sazbird [-]
technicalside [-]
bagpuss [-]
vxn666 [-]
spaminator [-]
meestemboom [-]
ihal0001 [-]
tillmea [-]
meesterleo [-]
meesterbrain [-]
unclefunker [-]
and 1 more
https://hive.blog/hivewatchers/@bpcvoter/shqkqc
On Hive, there's a user who frequently burns a significant amount of Hive LOL with his own accounts
How To Fool An Entire Population
it's so, so concerning to see Blocktrades delegating 2+ million Hive power to Buildawhale, and Buildawhale is downvoting legitimate content
We began sharing factual information following unwarranted downvotes on Hive it's all in the transactions
Upon examining our posts, you will notice they have been downvoted, and we've been labeled as scammers and spammers, which we find amusing. We consistently share new content
Once again, we ask why is our legit content being downvoted on Hive and what is the reason behind it. Hivewatchers ADM spaminator steemcleaners guiltyparties logic
We have Hive witnesses farming Hive, self-voting, operating comment farms, and self-funding projects with community resources
https://peakd.com/@themarkymark/activities
https://peakd.com/@buildawhale/activities
https://peakd.com/@blockheadgames/activities
https://peakd.com/@hiveauctions/activities
https://peakd.com/@gogreenbuddy/activities
https://peakd.com/@meritocracy/activities
https://peakd.com/@gogreenbuddy/activities
https://peakd.com/@jacobtothe/activities
https://peakd.com/@usainvote/activities
https://peakd.com/@leovoter/activities
https://peakd.com/@usainvote/activities
https://peakd.com/@upmyvote/activities
https://peakd.com/@apeminingclub/activities
https://peakd.com/@punkteam/activities
Posted using Bilpcoin
!INDEED !WEED !PGM LUV !PIZZA !PIMP !ALIVE !CTP !BBH !VSC !INDEED !HOPE
Ohhh! I think I like the trend but my fear is how long is it going to last? Soon, the extravagant lifestyle of this modern age would crawl into the minds of many and they get back to normal living.
I really hope people pick up trend and make it a lifetime habitat.
As for me, if I were the only one in the world, most of the hyped products especially the fancy ones wouldn't get a purchase. Lol
Hello macchiata!
It's nice to let you know that your article will take 4th place.
Your post is among 15 Best articles voted 7 days ago by the @hive-lu | King Lucoin Curator by keithtaylor
You receive 🎖 1.0 unique LUBEST tokens as a reward. You can support Lu world and your curator, then he and you will receive 10x more of the winning token. There is a buyout offer waiting for him on the stock exchange. All you need to do is reblog Daily Report 405 with your winnings.
Buy Lu on the Hive-Engine exchange | World of Lu created by szejq
STOPor to resume write a wordSTARTIt's seemingly the pendulum swinging. People go nuts on the upswing of spending and buying way too much shit, and on the other end people are too frugal and don't spend or buy things they likely should be to have a basic standard of living that we can appreciate in the modern age.
I think it's good people are trying to spend less and save more, as that is such an important life lesson to learn. Like anything though, we have to make sure we find a good balance! We shouldn't buy ALL the shit that comes out, but at the same time if an electric device has a frayed wire and is a danger, it's probably best to get rid of it and buy a new one, or even a used one that isn't broken.