Nowadays, social media have affected our lives in many different ways, with no exception
among teenagers. Young people access social media not only for the purpose of entertainment
anymore, but also for information, connection, and even consumption. The simplicity gained from
accessing social media about goods brings consumerism. Consumerism is defined as the increase
of consumption of goods and services purchased in the market to fulfill people’s desirable goals
or wellbeing and happiness maintenance (Hayes, 2021). Here are several reasons why social
media have impacted the rise of consumerism.
Years ago, whenever people wanted to buy something, they needed to drive certain
distances and visit stores. In stores, people would find the information about what they needed
by observing directly or asking the store employee about the details. However, this way
significantly changed due to the presence of social media. Social media platforms such as
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and else, provide information about various goods that
can be accessed anytime, even from home .For instance, if you are interested in purchasing a pair
of shoes but are unsure of which type best fits your needs, social media will provide descriptions
along with pictures. If you are still unsure, they also allow you to post questions through
comments sections or personal chats with the sellers. Direct testimonies, public comments, or
stars given by other customers, are often considered more reliable than speaking to store
employees, or viewing a company website. The details provided can eliminate the necessity to
visit a brick-and mortar location, thus eliminating time spent in a store as well as commuting.
The tendency to imitate the behavior of inspiring people around also affects people when
they decide to buy certain products. These people are called influencers coming from idols,
favorite students, or celebrities that become teens’ role models. Their popularity increased as the
more followers they earn have invited marketing companies to ask them to advertise their
products. They set some standards for fashion, room decor, cute tools, and many daily products.
To be acknowledged as a part of an updated society, teenagers tend to purchase those goods
recommended by the influencers, whether they need them or not.
Social media are inexpensive platforms for companies to reach millions of users. A lot of
companies have joined hands with these platforms so their target users may often unconsciously
see their advertisements. In addition to that, companies offer special deals, promotions,
discounts, and cashback rewards that influence teenagers’ consumption behavior. Some teens
might need to wait for several months just to buy a branded watch waiting for the discount
season, and go back and forth to check it out at the store. However, now they simply can check
their social media accounts or most of the time the advertisements pop up on their page.
Those reasons above may explain why social media has become a greater force for buying
decisions due to the conveniences it offers.
1. Identify the main idea of each paragraph.
Paragraph Main Idea
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2. What is the main idea of the text?
3. What do young people use social media for?
4. Here are the writer’s arguments about social media and consumerism. Mark the
correct answer (√ ), you can choose more than one.
5. Do you agree that social media changes the way teenagers buy things? How?
6. According to the writer, how does the change in obtaining information influence
consumerism?
7. In what ways do influencers affect young people to buy more products?
8. ‘… social media has become a greater force for buying decisions due to the
conveniences it offers.’ Do you agree with the statement? Explain!
9. Look around you. Do you think your friends and young people in your area have
developed consumerism? Explain your reason.
10. Read the text again, make a connection between what you thought before reading
and what you read in the text. Number one has been done for you.
I thought … I read …
Social media has nothing to do It encourages consumerism.
with consumption.