How Instagram is Fueling Overconsumption

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🎥 More about this video:
Instagram is one of the most popular apps today, and it's one of the go-to spots for things to buy + keeping tabs on your crush from 5 years ago. But is Instagram fueling overconsumption? Is our tendency to compare ourselves to others' gorgeous Instagram selfies and Instagram vacation stories causing us to live beyond our means while feeling awful about ourselves? In this video, I dive into how Instagram fuels overconsumption / hyperconsumption by exploring the various aspects of Instagram - from Instagram shop, to 'Instagram made me buy it' culture, to influencer culture.
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🔍 Resources mentioned:
Red swimsuit craze: www.buzzfeednews.com/article/...
Climate crises: www.theguardian.com/environme...
Global South exploitation: www.greenleft.org.au/content/...
World's richest make up 10% of emissions: www.oxfam.org/en/press-releas...
Americans on social media: www.forbes.com/sites/petersuc...
Hubspot Instagram stats: blog.hubspot.com/marketing/do...
Instagram purchasing stats: www.onlinedasher.com/instagra....
💌 Want to support the channel? Here are a few ways!:
- One-time donation: www.buymeacoffee.com/cara.nicole
- Join my Patreon: patreon.com/thefinancialfreed...
- My Etsy (budget spreadsheets!): www.etsy.com/shop/FinancialFr...
🎥 Check out some of my other videos! 🎥
- How TikTok Is Fueling Overconsumption: • How TikTok is Fueling ...
- Let's talk social media's 'aesthetic' obsession: • Let's talk social medi...
- How Designer Brands Keep You Poor: • How Designer Brands Ke...
- Multilevel Marketing Schemes & The Scam of Financial Freedom: • Multilevel Marketing S...
Time Stamps:
00:00 The Viral Red Swimsuit
01:18 NordVPN
02:26 The Overconsumption Problem
03:51 Instagram breeds comparison
05:41 We're commodifying ourselves
07:53 Does this matter?
08:22 Instagram consumption stats
09:30 "Instagram made me buy it"
10:43 Social influence of Instagram
13:13 How to disengage
Keywords for some sweet, sweet metadata:
Personal finance, money management, FOMO, TikTok made me buy it, Instagram made me buy it, pop culture, sustainability, video essay, video analysis, social media, instagram, pinterest, tiktok, overconsumption, consumerism, consumption, video essays, financial boundaries, saving money, spending money, influencer

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

🌏 Get exclusive NordVPN deal here ➵ NordVPN.com/caranicole It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!✌

[@cw2010]

No

[@rachelesmith3342]

The ads on Instagram have become so pervasive it’s ridiculous. You literally can’t scroll through 3 or more posts/stories without an advertisement. It’s pure madness

[@Kareragirl]

See, this just scares me because I thought it was a normal (I have only been on Instagram for 2, 3 years.

[@emmy8526]

Every new medium just slowly destroys itself through ad oversaturation.

[@r.8902]

I quit social media in Jan this year, and one of the main reasons why I quit insta was because I kept getting ads for the most useless products or onlyfans ads. More of the latter tbh. It was getting extremely annoying and I couldnt even open it up in public because there was a high chance that the first post on my feed would just be some random half-naked woman bouncing around to a really cringey meme line. I'm hoping those types of ads dont get played to minors, but I'm not so sure about that.

[@prodigalson9189]

delete your ig account now

[@tricjoseph9879]

And the if you're watching stories then the ads are 2-5 slides. It's obnoxious.

[@thewanderingstarseed]

A few years ago, I transformed my Instagram to be more like Pinterest. I followed only people who did my hobbies so I could be inspired. Over the years, it just became mostly infused with the makers selling their things. I am no longer inspired, just annoyed. Everything on instagram has an agenda to sell you something now. Even Pinterest is too! I’m done with it all now and have been going to the library more for inspiration. I miss the simple days.

[@Amyyamy64]

I really resonate with this comment! I have two Instagram accounts, one to follow people I know and the other to follow “influencers” or people that inspire me. I try to limit my time on the latter because although I feel inspired at times I still compare myself and end up with negative emotions. I love that you go to library for inspiration. That is such a great idea and something I want to try!

[@medina__anidem]

I cant watch Tik Tok either every second video is a AD

[@xCindyLouWhox]

Agreed! I hate that Pinterest has a shop feature like why on earth would I be using Pinterest to shop??

[@esikazemese]

@@xCindyLouWhox And now it's full of Ads as well, the saddest thing ever, Pinterest was so good and QUIET.

[@nanajasmin1008]

I deleted Instagram just for this reason. 95% is advertisement, 5% is actually things i care about.

[@therobotdevil2284]

Same! I deleted my insta and Facebook accounts, I had just had enough. 😅

[@Noon_00Nz]

I didn’t have IG until I am an industrial design and seeing ads is an inspiration for me of what hooked me, haha

[@colap3848]

It’s all materialistic garbage. I deleted FB right after the 2020 election because it all came out that FB was encouraging people to argue by showing everyone posts in their feed from people/bots who had total opposite beliefs. It’s made to make us feel inferior to others and be “influenced” by corporations.

[@medina__anidem]

TIK TOK SAME😂😂 I ONLY WATCH YOU TUBE I PAY NOT TO WATCH ADS

[@lVlegabyte]

I saw a video that had an content creator say something along the lines of “when you get 50 likes, it feels like a low number. But when I had a meet up of 50 people I was overwhelmed with how many people were there solely to see me”

[@kathryn8543]

it would be great to have a video about the normalization of plastic surgery and fillers and botox etc as influenced by social media and reality tv etc... it's scary how many people are gong into debt to try and cure invented insecurities

[@pinkbubblesnake]

I'm worried about young people feeling more self conscious because they don't look like all the people on social media that have had cosmetic surgery. With how recent the filler trend is I hate to see what that does over time to those who have had them or had them done on a budget.

[@yamaj2524]

I was thinking about that too , it’s very similar to how we are influenced to buy products

[@Momo-po5tn]

Yes! They want to normalize it and say 'oh it makes me happy' except they dont want to think about the societal pressures that make them insecure in the first place

[@TaylorRene_]

THIS RIGHT HERE❤❤❤❤

[@INatalkaI]

I don't think she's going to do this because you know there will be an angry army in the comments telling her how it's body shaming, their body their choice, etc.

[@salsaayudia9126]

I just found out your channel and as a college student who's living abroad, your videos appear like a gentle reminder from being triggered with overconsumption! Thank you so much! Sending with love

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

i'm so glad to hear that the videos have been helpful for you! :)

[@tamamo5094]

I agree with that

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Something I find (and I'm implicating myself here) is people you see on Instagram who theme their accounts around specific hobbies are extremely heavily invested in it, probably to the detriment of other things in their lives, but it normalises a certain level of consumption within that hobby. It's easy to come away thinking that to be a 'true fan' of a subculture you should aspire to the golden standard of some of these individuals, forgetting that's likely where almost all their disposable income is going. And once they reach a certain level of success, they'll likely be supported by paid content and gifted products, making the comparison even more unfair. From the creator side, they're pushed towards a constant flow of new content and products to keep their account interesting and fans engaged, so they potentially end up consuming/owning more than they really need to as well. Or feeling like they need to purchase whatever seems to be new or most exciting (regardless if they actually need it) because it may help boost their account. Content creation itself becomes the hobby (or job).

[@danielle2577]

well-said.

[@lovelylotus8787]

@thisisantwon well said! I follow interior design accounts and it always seem like the people I follow have new decor even if it is thrifted. I definitely used to compare what I had but after I took a long break. I casually log in for inspiration but don’t actively post which helps too.

[@ChrisBrooks34]

Turning off notifications was really the best thing I could do to cut down on Instagram. Especially when I found out that I was checking instagram every day for almost two months, and I was on there for 40 minutes to an hour each time. Now, without the constant reminders, i barely go on. Even though I mostly follow my friends and favorite content creators here on KZbin it genuinely made me feel bad. But over the summer, I had decided to do things rather than just watch others highlight reels. I still take my photos, but now they're just for me and my family.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

love that. especially the taking photos just for you & your family these days :)

[@AlyssaTaylor9]

Same! I only get notifications if somebody's sent me a message, AND I only allow them to notify me during the day, never at night as if anybody needed to contact me for something urgent, it's NOT going to be through IG.

[@CatsMeowPaw]

'Stop comparing yourself to someone's highlight reel' is such good advice.

[@r.8902]

I quit social media in January this year and while I still go out and spend money on useless things from time to time, I noticed that I'm a lot pickier with my choice on whether or not to buy something useless and I've cut my spending down a ton. While I don't think lowering social media usage or quitting all together will completely rid people of overconsuming, I think it will at least give them the ability to consume on self-principal. Plus, I think companies would actually have to start making quality products again. Out of all the bs overconsumption brings, I am upset more about the lack of quality materials at reasonable prices. High quality stuff will always cost more of course, but we are getting charged at high quality rates for low quality products.

[@10me20theoneandonly]

I have luckily created a mindset (because I generally like making things with my own hands) that if I see an ad that I’d want to purchase from, if I really want it, I can make it myself. That extra effort really helps me X out things that may be pointless to buy

[@ItsOKtobeNormal]

I'm like that too! And I've been that way for so long I can make just about anything I want. Plus I can add things I personally like to the project, I'm the same way with cooking. Why go out to eat when I can make it just as good or better?

[@equally.marketable]

I’m heading into college and spending a lot of time thinking about differences between what I need, want, and “want”. I’m going to need to save money in my first few years, so your content definitely helps keep myself in check and remind myself that I’m doing the right thing and I’m not “missing out” on anything. Great video as always!

[@emmy8526]

I’m amazed by youngsters’ willingness to hand over their financial and personal information over to any random anonymous drop shipper who-knows-where and with what-data-protection or lack thereof.

[@DiamondHead2010]

Nice message I had an enlightening conversation with my gf centered around your temu, TikTok and now sending this vid to her. We are both guilty to some extent of influencer buying but have set more controls in place with more self awareness. The real benefit is being able to share and open dialogue with family and friends. Videos like yours and Caleb hammer for example bring a fresh message to fundamental financial advice. Nice work!

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

ah I'm so, so glad to hear that my videos have helped you & your gf talk about spending and money together! that's amazing! also love me some caleb hammer videos :)

[@DiamondHead2010]

@@thefinancialfreedomgirl your approach has a ton of merit Accessibility to this information has been somewhat guarded and mystified behind dry language and complex terminology for a long time (helps keeps financial advisor service rates high..) What are your thoughts on financial therapy? Have you done any videos on it? I do some financial planning for clients, friends and family and behind many financial decisions is an emotional one.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

@@DiamondHead2010 thank you! I really appreciate you saying that. Yeah, I'm trying to approach these topics with a focus on the emotional for the exact reason you mentioned - I feel like a lot of personal finance is dry, dense, and unapproachable for those who aren't familiar with it. If I made videos on 'how to maximize tax advantage accounts', I feel like only finance enthusiasts would watch, which doesn't really address the people who might need to hear the message the most. So hopefully these videos are like a trojan horse for some baseline financial education! I haven't looked into financial therapy much, but I do think that financial advising or education can't be truly successful if the emotional complexes around money aren't solved.

[@DiamondHead2010]

@@thefinancialfreedomgirl agreed, most topics may not need a deep dive to an ongoing process like financial therapy These are systemic issues, often passed down from family who also didn’t have access to financial tools. Glad you able to meet people in need at their eye level 👍

[@brittanylynn4124]

Honestly, your videos have helped me rethink over some purchasing decisions quite a few times lol

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

yay!! that's awesome to hear :)

[@DiamondHead2010]

New vid drop, sweet! It’s as if April from Parks and Rec is giving financial advice as a side gig lol

[@broughttoyoubynmblake]

Ahaha I thought I was the only one.. both awesome.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

hahaha that needs to be my new bio i've also gotten "kirkland aubrey plaza" hehe

[@DiamondHead2010]

@@thefinancialfreedomgirl there’s definitely an opportunity to use a “stay back, slut” meme for influencer marketing worth exploring lol

[@abbyfrancesparker8738]

I'm so happy to see these discussions because I agree overconsumption is one of the biggest environmental impacts that individuals have the most influence to reverse. I would also like to add on top of all the reasons you brought up another huge issue of social media overconsumption is that it rewards these behaviors. When hauls and unboxings are an avenue of income we have made consuming a viable career. People are getting paid to consume, and the more they do, the more views they get, and the more they consume for those views the more $$ they earn. It's a vicious cycle. And how can you tell young people looking to enter a workforce that they can slave all day at a 8am-8pm job working for $1 over minumum wage requiring a college degree the cost of a mortgage to pick that over making potentially millions by buying a bunch of stuff for yourself and looking pretty showing it off. It's a real problem.

[@navinbalan]

I was just talking about this and you made a video. As soon as I open any social media app, I'm bombarded with ads every 2 post. If its not fashion, its something my age group would like. it seems like social media has lost its "social medianess" and now is a platform for selling us stuff without even we knowing it. while we crave to have interactions with people, they (social media companies) are using it for their advantage.

[@tialorabelin6993]

Instagram is definitely part of the reason I overconsume. This is how it goes: I see something I like. I think ‘oh, well, I’ve been needing that thing.’ Then I don't buy it from Instagram, I think about that thing for a while, maybe a few days or months. THEN I order it, usually from Amazon, which totally goes against my values but I can't afford to order it (at all) from anywhere else. And repeat. It’s gotten to the point that I have to stop or I will be in financial ruin. Long story short, I don't have a personal Instagram account (permanently deleted) and my life is slightly better because of it. And I am never ever ever going back. The new challenge is tackling the less obvious ways the Internet negatively impacts my life. Ahhhh.

[@amihanbyann]

From someone who doesn't want to repeat clothes on Instagram to someone who is no longer a fan of any social media platform. I'm glad I'm over that stage. ✨

[@mayas6960]

I do not have an Instagram account and only use KZbin as long format social media. I refuse to let social media ruin or run my life and am, overall, very happy and grateful. I am more worried about my kids but I believe that by the time they are teenagers there will be a huge backlash against social media. The young generations are very intelligent and will not allow it to ruin their lives. Cara you are the best of the upcoming generation. Thank you for using your brain so philosophically and eloquently and may God bless you abundantly.

[@LeaveBritneyalone580]

Everyone is saying we compare ourselves to celebrities and to stop following them. For me it's opposite. I compare exclusively to people I know (or vaguely know). Celebrities mostly come from generational wealth so I know I'll never achieve that so I live through them, see places I'll probably never see or hang with people I'll never met. Also I always question how real is any celebrity relationship (friendship or romantic). But as soon as one of people I know post how they are traveling (especially far away) I get insanely jealous. I struggle to get by but they get to go on those trips, they have partners or big group of friends while I only have 2 which eventually make me feel like failure. So I have two profiles, one where I follow friends and that I barely open and one with all celebrities I like where I spend some of my time

[@d.ddablue.]

same here omg???? whenever i see celebrities posts i just think about how it's their job to look good and market this lifestyle to people... but when it comes to my peers i get horribly jealous comparing everything including wealth, looks, holidays etc. for my ig account where i follow people i know/around me ive basically deactivated and abandoned it. it's the best decision ever after struggling with gaining followers and comparing myself on that account. im glad to see someone else feels the same way

[@nancy_valentino]

Hi Cara, I love your videos! I don’t usually comment but on this one I just had to chime in. I agree 100% with everything you've talked about. Instagram used to be such a fun platform but lately I have found myself so disenchanted with it all. Because that aspirational content comes off so fake to me. I'd like to see people doing real things on the daily in a real way. When you've built up that rapport with your viewers and subscribers, I find that they're just happy seeing real life moments. I'm not even going to lie, I hate the word influencer, but I have tried for many years to gain a little following by just being genuine and authentic but I find that most people tune into Instagram and other social media platforms to see this almost mythical content. And it stinks because then people compare themselves to this unreal moment they see in a pic. As difficult as it's been, I'm continuing to put myself out there and show my outfits on repeat because for me it's all about showing my daughter that you don't need an over consumption of "things" to be happy. Great video! 💖

[@s.s.3068]

Just discovered your channel, and it’s like you took the words right out of my mouth. I often wonder why more people aren’t thinking deeply about these things! When you mentioned your friends and family getting sick of hearing you talk about this stuff so now you channel all that energy into video essays 😂 I’ve just been writing essays and thinking “I should start a KZbin channel” but now I know I don’t have to!

[@usernamekrn8729]

Thank you for this video! I have always been a minimalist and don't really buy too many things but once in a while I get taken in by a thing or two that I saw on social media. This is such a good message.

[@carpenoctem9]

Hey Cara, I don't think you are overthinking at all. I share most of your opinions and I feel like it's time somebody spoke about our current social media powered culture. Keep on making these videos!

[@justjess22]

love your content, thank you so much. i am so susceptible to comparing myself to others/online buying but your content really puts it into perspective that not only do i not need these things, its also hurting the planet we live on.

[@sofiauribe1465]

Cara I believe everybody should watch your videos, you do an amazing job spreading awareness and giving societal commentary

[@intuitive_duck]

I’ve grown to like using social media to share mostly for myself. I love referring back to a project or recipe I tried and liked. Pics of family and friends. I do like sharing on FB for instance because some loved ones are busy and I like seeing what they’re up to and they feel the same with me. Also, the elderly light up when they see a family picture. When I see them next they gush about how happy they were to see it. It’s really special. 😊

[@TheKatsMeow113]

I go through cycles of using or taking a break from Instagram because I'm in a hobby that gained popularity because of Insta (pole dance). A lot of people in the pole community are on Insta because that's how we learn new tricks and find out about competitions and stuff. It's just really sucky when you're a part of a community that took off because of social media and increasingly, content is about where to buy the cutest new pole sets or shoes or whatever. It used to be more about building community and learning new things and now because the hobby is more established, it's become a readily-segmented part of the population that can be marketed to.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

I feel ya! I wish that there was a way to lock certain social media apps to only certain interests and then keep you away from everything else because I too easily get sucked into other content

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

Pole dance is so cool, I can't even do a push up. Y'all are strong

[@BelleChanson0717]

I feel you! Pretty much the main reason I stay on IG is because of pole. I'm an instructor with my studio, so I have to post fairly regularly to promote my classes. I'm so lax about social media in general that I forget a lot 😅

[@laurab4797]

I have just come across your account and wow, I legit agree with 100% of everything you're talking about. It's so scary how Instagram specifically, has changed the way we live. Really enjoyed this video, thank you! I'll be following your videos from now on! Xx

[@CyclingM1867]

I remember when Instagram first started. It was basically about sharing photos with those you knew, as well as others who might've been interested in what you had to share. It's been a long time since I've posted anything there, or even scrolled through it. There're too many people trying too hard to impress others, and I couldn't care less about influencers or the like. Also, I've found that the less I'm on social media like IG, the less I feel the urge to go on shopping sprees. I didn't put the connection between the two together until watching this video. If I was to go back onto IG at all, it'd be too see family and friend pix and cat and other animal posts. If I shared, it wouldn't be stuff of myself. It'd be of landscapes and my cat, which is what I used to share all the time.

[@cupfulofeathers]

Just discovered your channel today and I immediately get a new upload from you? How lucky! Can't wait to watch this later 😊

[@dan.c.s.]

For me, instagram is just Product placement, the social media.

[@beljacob6806]

I know I'm not immune to advertising, but I don't ever get the need or want to buy anything based off of ads or influencers. I see it affect other people in my life, and I'm always curious why I don't react the same. I think food advertising works on me, but anything else is just white noise.

[@mrpride3499]

So glad to see a video that talks about over consumption!

[@arpanmajumdar1084]

Because of your videos and the depth of the analysis you put into each topic, I have not only learned the concept of intentional living but followed it honestly as well. It is also because of your that keep remind me of not to over spend ❤

[@FancyPantsss]

this is a great take that needs to be explored more, thank you for this!

[@rrawsisters]

I love your content. It keeps me grounded and helps remind me to chill.

[@bonitaglover]

I love this channel. I love your video essay topics. All of them align with my beliefs so I’m definitely getting fed what I like and I appreciate your content. 💛

[@darleneatkinson3906]

Cara, For me I feel as I am easy to be talked into buying stuff, I get upset with myself for being like that because it usually regret buying after I get the stuff. I try to be harder to sell to but I still find myself being convinced and I think many people might have the same issue as well it always looks great in ads, or in videos so that what convince us to buy in the first place I like your videos I am usually in my bedroom by myself just a real loner type person I been like that most my life. Thanks again for sharing your videos.

[@k.stauffer9088]

Loving your videos, and this just kind of reinforces the sense I had ages ago that I needed to take Instagram off my phone. I appreciate these breakdowns so much! ❤

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

yay! i'm so glad to hear that you like the videos and they've been helpful for you!

[@thaliamorgenstern1401]

I have ADD which affects my impulse buying so I almost never order from online due to accidentally spending a ton of money on

[@nicolesherman8974]

Your videos really are useful and I appreciate it. I love the video on abolishing 40 hour work week culture 💡.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

thank you!!

[@God_is_good912]

Wow, that was well said I am going to share with my teenager and a good reminder for myself not to get caught up💯

[@Webinthamind]

Wonderful video @cara Bravo . Where iam is good , where iam is happy 😊

[@user-zm2fy3zx5h]

idk if u will see this but I love ur Channel and it is very important +highlights huge issues that need to be talked about more. thank you (:

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

thank you ☺️

[@Jazzyb3lle]

I had just decided yesterday I need a VPN & was waiting for a creator i support to post a sponsor, glad it was you! Youve been my start to financial freedom and within that short time ive moved out on my own & put some cash in a savings account. Progress id been trying to make for two years but things just didnt seem to click. Keep it up, I know i appreciate it

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

oh my gosh, that's amazing to hear that you've started your financial freedom journey from my videos! That means so much to hear. Congrats on the incredible progress you've already made!! :)

[@melaniakreft5157]

Thanks for your content I feel much better and is so helpful for be aware about manipulation

[@nette9836]

Perk of growing up in poverty: I cannot be influenced by ads. The amount of items I purchased due to an ad? Likely zero. I always know what I need, do market research, and that's that. Even now that I'm in upper middle class, I'm just not impressed or jazzed by random internet trash items.

[@bmac_xxx207]

This was an extremely great and insightful video

[@sundiva7642]

To be honest I've been thinking that its not normal for over a million people you don't know following you and being aware of you and to some extent forming a relationship with you. I wonder if im just being paranoid or genuinely concerned? I deleted my Instagram, I can't remember why but I'm not an IG girl, i use Whatsapp, YT and Pinterest But I noticed something weird on Pinterest. It seemed like there was this thin line between people's interests and people's impulses. What I mean is that, some people were just looking for something else to obsess over or spend on. I understand we can be there to escape but honestly it makes me feel weird

[@deep_space_finn]

As an arts&crafts kind of person, I really hate it that when I scroll through instagram's suggested posts on knitting and crocheting, and they are just nonstop "yarn hauls". Nonstop. So. Much. Yarn. I can't even afford to buy one roll of yarn, and it always makes me feel so bad to see others have so much they could fills pools with it. I was really surprised by how truly massive the overconsumption trend is inside an diy community - like you're not saving the planet making your own sweaters, when you buy 300 rolls of yarn at a time and make 150 sweaters you're not ever going to have enough time to wear. Diy unfortunately seems to be in just as deep as everything else in the overconsumption "I need more new now!!!" hole. (Ps. The amount of just plain plastic in those yarns, my god, if someone ever mentions acrylic to me again I'll scream)

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

I'm so glad I never got into "mainstream" social media. I do use youtube and tumblr, and I used reddit a while ago, but at least they are less focused in consumption (except for yt, but i use an adblocker for that)

[@ItsOKtobeNormal]

Ya I never got the appeal of social media honestly, I'm an incredibly private person and don't want my family or kid on there.

[@thelamppineers]

Love your channel❤. I am not a hoarder or over spender so the videos you posts speaks to my values and perspectuve towards money and over consumption. Growing up I only saw ads on TV and now that they are on phones, boy oh boy! They are 10 times more annoying! 😂

[@thetribalist3852]

Hi Cara! Your dedication to promoting financial education alongside minimalism, sustainability, and intentional living is commendable. It's inspiring to see how your channel has evolved over the years, now focusing on video essays and educational content. Thank you for providing valuable insights and resources to your audience. Keep up the fantastic work! ☕💰 #FinancialEducation #Minimalism #Sustainability #IntentionalLiving

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Thank you so much for your kind message! I really appreciate it and I'm so glad to hear you've found the videos valuable!

[@evaniki1995]

I HATE instagram. It makes me feeling like nothing is enough and it will never be. Even though I live a very amazing life. I am so sick of products and people screaming to catch my attention. Instagram ads and the fight for people's attention got too much and it is disgusting. I am not using it anymore, only KZbin, whats app and telegram. But even youtube is harmful when i start scrolling randomly. Now I practice very conscious content consumption and thing way in advance what am I going to watch. This channel is on the list :)

[@sreyphon-thill3297]

I just bought my first ad from instagram and while I’ve only used one of the two items they didn’t mention the lip balm has a very distinct scent that I really can’t stand. The product does work as advertised but had I known it smelled like a cream I used as a teenager I wouldn’t have bought it. Lesson learned 😂 I actually love instagram and the people I follow do not make me want to go out and buy stuff. I follow artists and actors 💜 i would say unfollow those that tempt u to buy things or make u feel like their life is something to aspire for

[@ayde92829]

6:00 This was a lovely bit of analysis: You’re completely correct about how different forms of media illicit a different focus as we hobble together a narrative of the symbolic significance of that story to ourselves.

[@SkySpiral8]

*elicit *cobble 😊

[@lucasquirino4077]

Thank you for this video. I'm always seeing cool gadgets on those ads and crave them but i don't even own a house. Why waste my money with something that probably won't last a moving or 2?

[@kythrathesuntamer9715]

As an entrepreneur myself, I, whom agrees with you on much, Have made the choice to showcase heartache and pain and the sides of my life that I find embarrassing and that don't fit with the narrative of simply showcasing my personal success on Social media to fight back against the tendency everyone else has of only posting the highlight reels.

[@ELCLAVE300]

I deleted my Instagram 2 years ago. Best decision i ever made. I dont miss it and feel way better mentally.

[@jojoannajojo]

Everytime I want to buy a designer something, I always go back to tour videos. Thank you for making me frugal 😂

[@lalaland2107]

I don’t ever remember that 2017 red swimsuit and I was an almost daily active user of that app…

[@baileydonahue7314]

Sweet “Early American” footage love that channel too😎

[@vvitch-mist20]

I'm trying to get my daughter to not want to over consume. She wants every toy she sees on TV, but barely plays with the ones she has. She's six so I can't really explain why just yet, but I will soon.

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@melc4308 I told her I'm not buying her toys if she doesn't play with them, and neither is Santa. That is changing her tune lol.

[@LucasSouza]

Great vídeo, as always 🥰

[@Heydontgetpanic]

Great you spoken 🎀🎀

[@Sophia-gw6bv]

Girl you’re totally not overthinking this 💕

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

haha thank you!! sometimes I stop myself mid-scripting and am like "am i going too into the weeds here??"

[@MeiKasai]

From you I learned to take a step back from my spending habits.'mexpecting a raise in January that will be fairly substantial (comes with a promotion) and my goal is to pretend that extra doesn't exist. I heard you speak about lifestyle inflation and I want to challenge myself to use any extra dollars I gain towards savings, investments, or paying off our mortgage. Your videos are a really great reminder to me that I can live frugally - I sure as heck used to - and that I was happier when I did. Thank you for being you and you are not overthinking it.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Ahh I LOVE this, how amazing - thank you so much for sharing your experience and for your kind words. I'm really happy to hear that my videos have encouraged you to take a step back and resist elements of lifestyle inflation! Congrats in advance for the expected promotion in January!

[@Ionamir]

I couldn't sleep yesterday night and went on Instagram, only to spend two hours browsing gaming and home office set-ups accounts, with links and codes in every post. My mental wishlist grew so long and I just felt bad about how I cant afford anything right now. Nowadays I try to imagine if the product will actually serve a purpose and bring me anything, or if it'll just sit there and feel like a burden. Also, some of the products would indeed make a more efficient work environment, but do I really need the peak quality and the latest tech for everything? The aesthetic is also such a trap. I can look at those setups for hours and love the atmosphere, thinking it's what I want to create for myself as if it was gonna solve everything. It's often inspiring... until I feel frustrated at my own office because it doesn't look uniform. The objects were gifted, thrifted, bought or repurposed over the years, of course they won't all fit in one *aesthetic*. When I'm on social media, I forget that this is actually what most homes look like. It's chaotic, mismatched, cluttered, and holds space for objects filled with memories that aren't all straight out of production.

[@Jadaknowledgethuta]

I love your talks a lot .

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

thank you so much! i'm glad you like them :)

[@AerynKDesigns]

I'm kind of grateful for the way that I use Instagram, as I'm not the kind of person that likes or shares pictures of myself, and I don't follow people that do. One selfie out of 30 posts, fine, but I'm not here for seeing a human person. I have an Instagram for artists that I like (usually papercrafters and colourists) and an Instagram for dolls and toys (barbie, rainbow high, sylvanian families). Neither of which showcase human people. HOWEVER unfortunately this still leads me to purchase motivation because when people share a toy, or a doll, or a colouring book that I wasn't aware of, but do enjoy, I'll seek out that purchase. Toys especially, since there's no time commitment to enjoying something that you place on a shelf to look at, unlike colouring books, which need to be interacted with. I don't feel pressure to always showcase new purchases, new toys, or new art things, but somehow I always end up taking pictures of the new anyway and not going back to what I already have as often as I should.

[@esikazemese]

We need videos like this, and that's why I like KZbin!

[@griffinblevins3836]

I love your work. You do a great job of stating your point well. People seem to forget that THEY are yhe product when using social media. It is only designed for consumption now.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

thank you so much, I appreciate it :)

[@peacefulplace6208]

Could you do a video on overconsumption of makeup?

[@its649inthemorning]

I feel like a boomer watching your videos because I can't relate to any of the social media stuff. But I'm 30. But anyways its a great video since I can infact somewhat relate to this (syke). A colleague of mine is your classic victim of the desire to have a good status in the eyes of other people. He spends a lot of money on a new phone (via contract obviously, but it would be cheaper if he just got some phone and used it for a while) and on new clothes. He is also active on instagram and he enjoys the attention a lot.

[@nanna1002]

Love your channel

[@illegalwaffles]

No Oppenheimer face this time :( That said, it always makes me sad seeing people impulsively overspend on things they know they don't need, just for it to end up as stuff in the spare room. For my job, I move a lot, so I think long and hard before I make any non-consumable purchase. Great video, Cara!

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

hahaha I love that you mentioned the Oppenheimer face 😂 I actually was thinking about whether or not to do another Oppenheimer face again for this video! I always do at least one when taking thumbnail pics because they’re so fun ahaha

[@anitas_tinkershop]

Love the video ❤❤❤

[@uzairazme]

I miss old Instagram, where it was my primary source of inspiration, now its just a cesspool of ppl selling you stuff, human greed is quite the problem

[@PatrikKron]

For some reason 75% of the ads on instagram for me, is for tools/services for small businesses. I don’t have a company, so I guess I’m somewhat lucky that the ads are intellevant to me. (The rest is ads for electric cars, which I like, but don’t have a need for, and can’t motivate the cost of)

[@TS26]

And there are people like me who just go on instagram to look at all these travel pictures, food/outings, outfits, etc. They don't post anything, just doomscroll and end up wasting away time, energy and feel dissatisfied with life as a result. I've stopped now because it gave me fomo. Great video, keep being authentic!❤❤❤

[@d_c_C]

I still use Instagram but I’ve stopped looking at anyone’s stories. So whenever I meet with my friends I ask them what they’ve been up to and sometimes they’re confused like didn’t you see it on my IG? But I’m like no 🤪

[@kikic95]

I'd love a video about how weddings heavily promote over consumption and single use everything. A massive waste of money for the wedding party and the guests.

[@PartyMarty321]

It wild that people curate their instagrams, it makes sense but I’ve always uploaded what I liked and have never taken a post down or archived them. You will see the first insta post I ever posted and everything in between.

[@franzgriffle6063]

One minute in, like your style. I subbed, can’t wait to see what your channel is all about.

[@umdlotus1]

I hope my daughter has half the insight you do at your age. I'll do my best to raise her in that direction. ❤

[@RiruKrypto_]

I’m trying to get off Facebook and Instagram, it’s tough but been away 3 days since the start of November on top of doing NNN. 😂

[@RebeccaDavis-nw2ec]

Oh absolutely. I got a minor in Marketing in 2014, and in ALL my classes, social media was trending to be the biggest platform for consumerism. And lookie there! 😂

[@Jadaknowledgethuta]

I love talks , Nicole....

[@HamazingKayliee]

I am such a sucker for an Instagram ad. I can't delete my account because i have friends and messages on there but absolutely need to chill

[@therobotdevil2284]

The fact that i got a Temu ad for the first time in weeks right before this video 😭 rip

[@Noon_00Nz]

Finally! IG being touched on!! Been waiting for quite a while, but I follow opposite genders, so I don’t get unsecured, lol.

[@Toidal]

Im not sure if overconsumption is the necessarily the right term in that engaging with the world around you is a good thing, I think it's more that social media promotes very shallow surface level consumption across a lot of things, as opposed to fewer but deeper and more meaningul engagments. It's a lot of roller-coaster riding with the intensity of FOMO bringing you down, followed by chasing that dopamine rush of when your participation gets validated.

[@BOLLCAPS]

I think that something that can help in spending money in a more conscious manner is looking at your values AND what you value in a product (also like in general ACTIVELY searching for what you need and don't letting social media or others throwing it at you)

[@BOLLCAPS]

Also thank you for these videos, i find them very interesting yet relaxing A big hug from Italy c:

[@SavannahSedai]

As a mom of two who NEVER wanted a baby shower because I don’t like people being obligated to gift me things and I didn’t want the inevitable junk here is my advice. Don’t have one. But that was not an option for me with my 1st so I was insistent on keeping it SMALL, only one, and I only registered for things in a normal price range. I absolutely refused one on baby number 2 (less than 3 year gap and same sex). Now after by babies are growing here is my baby shower etiquette. I do not attend. (I’m not rude I promise!) As SOON as I find out a friend is expecting I immediately drop of a large box of size 2 diapers (trust me, get size 2 or 3, they will get so many newborn and size 1 and that growth from 1-2 happens in like a DAY) and a huge tub of aquaphor. Now depending on how close I am to the mom I will do more through the months they are pregnant but I never gift clothes, blankets, etc. I will attend a BFFs shower, I will add money into a pool for a big gift…but in general, don’t have one, if you need ones (so many of us do) keep it simple. Everyone needs diapers. Everyone needs giftcards (walmart/target/grocery store). Everyone will need help when the baby comes. Help them ❤

[@veronikap9641]

I have instagram on my phone. It is mostly pictures of cats and food and yes, ads for cat things (some of them useful and most pointless). I also follow a few friends. However, I also do not get the idea that you can only wear an outfit once. I prefer to own clothes that last years and enjoy them for years. I am also fully aware that I enjoy having a serious case of not giving a ***t about trends or what others think of me so long as I like how I look. Keeping up with whatever was never a good idea. If one cannot control how social media makes you feel, it is indeed best to stay away from it.

[@onyxstewart9587]

This is why I mostly only follow artists, scientists and people who post educational stuff on topics I'm interested in on social media. Same with my own social media, I only post about topics of interest to me (mostly relating to conservation and wildlife) and very little about my own life. I have zero interest in knowing about the lives of random people online.