Why is today’s younger generation trading their mental health for the latest fashion and fleeting trends?
It seems that keeping up with Gen Z has become more expensive than keeping up with the Kardashians!
According to Buddha, materialism refers to the attachment and desire for material possessions, wealth, and physical satisfaction.
Philosophically, materialism first emerged during the First Millennium BCE in various parts of the world, coinciding with the birth of Gautam Buddha.
According to Karl Marx, materialism played a significant role in societal transformations and material development while also dividing society into two classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, materialism evolved into a significant philosophical and scientific movement across the globe.
In Nepal, this phenomenon was shaped by its geographic and cultural interactions, primarily through trade with Tibet and India.
Self-evaluation should focus on personal growth, taking into account academic achievements, creativity, emotional management, and overall well-being.
During this period, Nepali society benefited significantly from active trade and cultural exchanges.
Over time, with the rise of capitalism and the expansion of the global economy, materialistic tendencies in Nepal took on a unique shape, transforming societal norms and values.
Two to three decades ago, Nepali society was rooted in simplicity and strong communal values.
Most people lived in rural areas and were engaged in agriculture. Daily life revolved around traditional practices, and consumerism was minimal.
Thriftiness was a valued trait, and social status was measured not by material possessions but by familial and community relationships.
This way of life provided a sense of peace and satisfaction, fostering a harmonious societal structure.
In the present day, Nepal’s economic structure is categorized into three classes: upper, middle, and lower.
Research and official statistics indicate that the middle and lower classes collectively comprise nearly three-fourths of the population.
While these classifications are consistent globally, socio-economic attitudes in Nepal have shifted significantly, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this shift is primarily psychological rather than structural. The changes are largely driven by altered perceptions and the influence of social media, which has introduced a new culture of consumption and comparison.
Marx’s theory of “Commodity Fetishism,” which explores how the value of relationships between people is overshadowed by the perceived value of objects, provides an insightful lens through which this phenomenon can be understood.
The global exposure brought about by media and social platforms has introduced international lifestyles to Nepali society.
This has led to a shift in priorities, with Gen Z and the younger generation placing greater emphasis on individual success and material wealth than on cultural and communal values.
Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z has been particularly influenced by platforms like Instagram and TikTok, fostering a culture of comparison where self-worth is measured by gadgets, fashion trends, and luxury items.
For instance, a boy from a modest family might hesitate to socialize with friends because he lacks the latest iPhone, while another might demand a newer version despite owning a recent model.
In another scenario, a girl may dream of studying abroad, mortgaging her family home, even when she has access to quality education in Nepal.
These behaviors are often fueled by hashtags such as #selflove and #livinglifetomyfullest on social media.
However, these posts often reflect feelings of jealousy, greed, and ego rather than genuine contentment.
This phenomenon aligns with sociologist Erving Goffman’s theory of “Dramaturgy,” which suggests that individuals present different versions of themselves to maintain a desired impression in different contexts.
Similarly, C.H. Cooley’s “Looking Glass Self” theory explains how people base their self-worth on how they believe others perceive them.
This materialistic mentality has far-reaching consequences for Nepal’s youth. The constant need for external validation can lead to unnecessary consumption, excessive spending, financial stress, feelings of inadequacy, and jealousy.
Over time, this can result in psychological exhaustion, commonly referred to as “social media fatigue.”
These distractions can divert youth from their true passions, making them struggle to identify their goals and potential career paths.
In such a state, they may succumb to peer pressure and engage in activities they do not genuinely aspire to, leading to underwhelming results and familial dissatisfaction.
This, in turn, can cause identity crises, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
On a national level, the materialistic tendencies of the younger generation can hinder long-term productivity and innovation.
A society driven by temporary validation and external appearances may fail to produce motivated, visionary leaders capable of addressing global challenges. Consequently, the country’s economic stability and overall progress may be jeopardized.
The solution lies in realization and self-evaluation. Individuals must reflect on how they invest their time, money, and energy.
They should question whether these investments bring peace and satisfaction or lead to distorted perspectives and financial stress.
As the saying goes, “Real growth comes from hard work and smart work, not from fake and temporary validation.” Nepal’s youth must embrace this change for their personal development and the nation’s progress.
Comparing materialism with minimalism can help individuals understand the impact of their choices on their lives.
Self-evaluation should focus on personal growth, taking into account academic achievements, creativity, emotional management, and overall well-being.
Adopting principles like reuse, reduce, recycle, and refuse in daily life can also help foster sustainable consumption habits.
For a country like Nepal, which is still developing and faces numerous challenges, the hope for a better future lies in its youth.
It is essential for them to shift their focus from temporary material gains to long-term sustainable development.
As the saying goes, “Real growth comes from hard work and smart work, not from fake and temporary validation.” Nepal’s youth must embrace this change for their personal development and the nation’s progress.
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