Overconsumption influenced by social media

photo by Sarah Haynes Freshman Molly Barfield picks up numerous Amazon packages purchased on Black Friday._

46% of Americans agree that social media has contributed to them spending more money on beauty products than they would have otherwise, according to a LendingTree survey. Individuals can scroll on a social media platform and one-click purchase any product that catches their eye. In 2025, society has normalized having excess products that are not needed. Popular content creators persuade individuals to buy products using their influence and fame.

However, I would like to pose a question. Where do you place your heart and your treasure? Is your heart in products that will be destroyed and lose appeal when we go to Heaven, or is it entrusted into God’s hands where nothing can destroy it?

Putting value in Heaven should be our first instinct rather than in worldly things that will be lost. Greed and pride compel us to want more things even though we might not need them. This is us falling back into the sin we have been cleansed from.

Just because friends, family members or our favorite influencers have a certain, expensive product doesn’t mean we need it as well. Owning expensive items isn’t bad. We just need to know when we have enough. Accumulating more and more material possessions will only satisfy us temporarily. Only God can satisfy us in the long run.

“Jesus says abundant life—the kind that lasts—can only be found in him,” Erin M. Straza, author of Comfort Detox, said. “Our society focuses on just one sort of prosperity, the external kind brought on by consuming, owning and obtaining things.”

Online, there are frequent ads and videos convincing individuals to purchase products. Brands have mastered the art of selling things by making packaging appealing or telling us that it is sustainable or authentic. Some brands also have “flash sales” that last only three hours or so. The products might not even be much less in price, but it puts an urgency on buying the item.

Sellers also promote their product by making “unboxing videos.” This draws people in because of the sensory appeal, marketing value and anticipation.

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever,” 1 John 2:17 NIV says.

Instead of immediately buying a product after watching an influential video, step back and ask yourself if you really need it or if you just want it because it’s appealing and popular.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” Matthew 6:19-21 NIV says. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”