With the current economy that we’re in, you would think that people would save the few pretty pennies that they got right? With Black Fridays, Cyber Monday shopping sprees, Amazon’s yearly sales, and the pressure to buy expensive gifts instead of something that should come from the heart, society has fallen trap with these greedy worldwide companies that don’t care about the current world issues that have led to a worldwide government shut down.

What is Consumerism?

Consumerism is the belief that buying and owning more things leads to happiness, success, or a better life. Like when society encourages people to purchase products—like if a plain fitted top marked at 70 dollars but says it was originally 89, you would think you have scored a deal correct? When in reality, you’re still paying an outrageous price for something so mediocre that you can literally find anywhere else. 

Starbucks’ newest launch leaves consumers outraged and workers exhausted

To be more specific, the infamous bear glass cup has to be one of the most ridiculous popular trends to ever come into existence. Released to all Starbucks stores on November 6th, 2025, Starbucks purposely gave only limited cups to certain stores. The company paid influencers on social media to hype up the product, so when consumers would go to their nearest Starbucks, they would destroy the place just to get a hold of one.

This bear cup is a textbook example of modern consumerism and hype marketing; it’s like buying a Balenciaga shoe that is purposely dirty for 5 grand, people won’t pay for it cause the product is good, people will pay for it for the name.

We live in a culture that is constantly telling us to buy, buy, and buy, but you can choose differently. The next time you feel pressured to purchase an “exclusive” holiday item or follow the latest trend, pause and ask yourself this: is this something I want, or something I have been told to want after scrolling endlessly on TikTok? A small choice can have big effects–but change begins with being aware.