Consumerism and loneliness can be a poisonous combination in a digital world driven by algorithms and emotional disconnection. I'm thinking about the forces that drove me to Amazon addiction.
I am such an introvert I couldn’t relate more. I spend most of my time in my home. With my cats. I have a boyfriend who I live with but he understands i’m not a huge fan of talking all the time, so often we just sit in each other’s company in silence. It’s very nice. But before him, I would do something similar. I ended up subscribing to a Book of the Month to help fill the void. But man, amazon really does a great job at replacing friends or a partner. It so accessible and easy to use and has literally anything you could possibly think of from couches, to ice cube trays, to school supplies, to CRISPR kits. It’s all at the tips of your fingers. Everything is. Which is great! But also a slippery slope.
You're a great writer. The addiction to the buzz of new 'stuff' that will equate with a new you is so relateable. I wrote an article on my thrift addiction that touches on similar themes - you might like it.
I loved this line: "I was sucked into the algorithm and spat out with a bunch of extra plastic."
Subbed and supporting your writing over shopping journey! :)
Thank you for sharing your experience here, it's very valuable.
We indeed became victims of catch-up culture
Also I think, social apps de-valued human connection since everyone now is a text away whilst in the past people used to wait long days and month to get a single letter back and so an actual meeting felt a lot more rewarding than now. It introduced social fatigue making people more lonely than ever
I am such an introvert I couldn’t relate more. I spend most of my time in my home. With my cats. I have a boyfriend who I live with but he understands i’m not a huge fan of talking all the time, so often we just sit in each other’s company in silence. It’s very nice. But before him, I would do something similar. I ended up subscribing to a Book of the Month to help fill the void. But man, amazon really does a great job at replacing friends or a partner. It so accessible and easy to use and has literally anything you could possibly think of from couches, to ice cube trays, to school supplies, to CRISPR kits. It’s all at the tips of your fingers. Everything is. Which is great! But also a slippery slope.
Exactly. I think ‘oh maybe I need…’ and boom it’s ordered! I know stuff isn’t love but it’s still sucking me in!
You're a great writer. The addiction to the buzz of new 'stuff' that will equate with a new you is so relateable. I wrote an article on my thrift addiction that touches on similar themes - you might like it.
I loved this line: "I was sucked into the algorithm and spat out with a bunch of extra plastic."
Subbed and supporting your writing over shopping journey! :)
Thank you. I’ve subbed to you too - haven’t read yet but the topics look like they’re up my alley!
Thank you for sharing your experience here, it's very valuable.
We indeed became victims of catch-up culture
Also I think, social apps de-valued human connection since everyone now is a text away whilst in the past people used to wait long days and month to get a single letter back and so an actual meeting felt a lot more rewarding than now. It introduced social fatigue making people more lonely than ever