Five consumer myths that should be abandoned in 2025

Over the last year, books include: Less Patrick Grant and documentaries such as Buy now: shopping conspiracy encouraged consumers to rethink their internalized beliefs that more consumption equals a better life.

We are entering a modern year. This is a great time to reflect and get rid of some consumer myths that are harmful to ourselves and the planet.

Myth 1: Buying more is better for consumers and society

Retail therapy is a common practice that needs to be dealt with negative emotions and may seem easier than actual therapy. However, tests consistently shows that materialistic consumption leads to lower individual and social well-being. In fact, emerging research point out that a low-consumption lifestyle can bring greater personal satisfaction and greater benefits for the environment.

Some may argue that larger purchases stimulate the economy, create jobs and support public services through taxes. However, the positive impact on local communities is often overestimated due to globalized supply chains and corporate tax avoidance.

To make sure your spending actually supports your community and doesn’t contribute to economic inequality, it’s worth learning more about the history behind the labels and the companies you support with your money.

Myth 2: Fresh is always better

While some cutting-edge technologies may actually offer improvements over older versions, for most things, modern isn’t always better. As Grant argues in his book Less, product quality has declined over the past few decades as manufacturers prioritize affordability and engage in planned obsolescence practices. This means that they deliberately design products to break down after a certain number of uses in order to maintain the consumption cycle and meet sales goals.

However, older products were often built to last, so choosing used or fixing older things it can save you money and actually provide you with better quality products.

Myth 3: Being sustainable is steep

It is true that some brands apply the term “sustainable” to justify higher prices. However, adopting sustainable consumer practices can often be free or even bring in extra cash if you sell or donate items you no longer need.

Instead of “buying modern,” consider swapping unused items with others by hosting a “swap party” for things like toys or clothes with friends, family or neighbors. Decluttering your home can free up space bring you some joyand can also aid you connect with others by exchanging items.

Myth 4: Buying experiences is better than buying material things

Previous research has shown that spending money on experiences brings more happiness primarily because those purchases are better uniting people. However, material purchases that aid you connect with others, such as a board game, can be as much fun as they are experiences.

Spending money my research showed that the key is to understand whether your purchase will aid you connect with others, learn modern things, or aid the community. It’s not about whether we spend money on material things or experiences.

It’s also worth remembering that there are plenty of activities that can aid you achieve these goals without the expense. So instead of instinctively reaching for our wallets, maybe in the modern year we could think about whether non-consumer activities, e.g. winter hiking, or some other volunteering it can move us closer to internal goals such as personal growth or relationship development. These goals have been consistently linked feeling better.

Myth 5: Buying a gift is the best way to express love

Marketers often promote the message that steep financial gestures are the best way to express love and appreciation for others. Spreading this idea will aid them sell more products. But my research suggests it’s embracing consumer ideals actually maybe distance us from others.

Studies have shown that investing in things that can buy us more time but also spend money on others can lead to higher levels of well-being. The combination of these observations suggests that giving time to others can be a great way to show affection and can have a positive effect.

For example, offering to babysit for a busy friend or family member, helping a relative with home projects, or offering your skills in advising or teaching someone something modern or useful can be extremely valuable to others.

For 2025, consider Fresh Year’s resolutions that are kinder to the wallet and kinder to the planet: You can resist the commercial pressures of overconsumption and find ways to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures, many of which are free anyway.