Let’s talk ‘Tiktok made me buy it’ culture.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Thank you all for watching! Don't forget that you can use code “CARA” at JoinDeleteMe.com/CARA if you’re interested in getting your own detailed report and having your personal information stay private!

[@sleepysartorialist]

I already have DeleteMe. Great service!

[@ArbiterofMankind]

why is there so many dislikes on this video? hmmm....

[@rin6521]

I just want to let you know that there was zero chance that I would have ever watched one of your videos... But one caught my eye... "How high Fashion Brand Keep You Poor" only because my girlfriend is really into fashion, so I watched it to get a deeper understanding of the industry, then again with her... 2 weeks later, after going through your catalog and realizing you talk about all the things I care about, financial literacy, etc.... You have become a favorite channel. Great work!

[@sleepysartorialist]

@@ArbiterofMankind people have a hard time confronting reality and if they've made shopping a personality trait, this may read as an ego attack to their brains. It's also why YT turned off dislikes. No point commenting most people can't see them.

[@ArbiterofMankind]

@@sleepysartorialist But you clearly see them, and people still dislike the video. Might as well say, don't bother disliking the video, since people can't see them. I just wanna know why people are so against overconsumption and overspending. When these same people also advocate for a green planet lol (might be wrong on this). Though oddly, after i refreshed my RYD add-on it showed a more conservative number. Whereas before it was something like 4.6K/1.5K.

[@mystfire]

I hate how much consumerism is forced down our throats on TT. every other video is some influencer shilling a product for commission

[@Moonpie90]

I watched my 8 yr old niece scroll TT, of 7 videos 3 were straight ads and 4 were hidden 'omg look how cool these scented markers are' style videos

[@sleepovershelter]

🇨🇦 We should post videos with #deletetiktok & #boycotttiktok about how TT’s warnings, moral-driven hate & product neediness are rampant.

[@sleepysartorialist]

I swear if I see ONE MORE "shadow work journal" clip. NO.

[@mariaxii]

And the thing is it’s not even on tik tok. Every single social media platform has ads trying to sell you their stuff. It is so annoying sometimes especially when you are just trying to laugh.

[@RowlandmeThomas]

Delete the app then I did like 2 years ago and I feel fantastic

[@pl0shiee]

I work at a skincare store and the amount of literal children that come in to buy $75 skincare products that will destroy their skin solely because it’s on Tiktok is insane.

[@TheLoveMiku]

Why will it destroy their skin? I mean i thought i would not benefit them but destroy it?

[@BlueShadow7777]

@@TheLoveMiku I'm guessing they're not age appropriate (some products are too harsh for children) or not good for their skin type

[@Clarita98]

i've been guilty of that. did nothing. Ended up seeing a dermatologist in a private cabinet wich cost me like 125$ (after I bought over 500$ of skincare products over the previous 6 months) to end up with an accutane prescription, and now I have a perfect skin and use absolutely no skincare products exept makeup remover and soap

[@emilyau8023]

I don't even get the point. Aging is inevitable and beautiful. Waste of money.

[@emilyau8023]

​@@TheLoveMikubecause some things inside it are actually chemicals that increase your chance of cancer and cause terrible allergic reactions. Watch some videos on how skincare products can actually be bad for you.

[@williamoneal5508]

In fairness 9/10 times I see someone say "Tiktok made me buy it" its some dropshipper trying to manufacture hype to funnel people to their storefront

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

True lots of dropshippers trying to create hype!

[@isabellind1292]

@@thefinancialfreedomgirl Anyone who blames someone else for their own choices will never take responsibility for their own choices in life. No one makes anyone buy anything! These people are NOT VICTIMS!

[@TinaJung0218]

I hate how “do what makes you happy” has been overused by the companies to sell more junk to people, and now it’s associated with consumption rather than various healthy activities that can actually result in more happiness and fulfillment

[@Younce_Davies]

It also promotes over self indulging which leads to even less life satisfaction. I also hate how people use it to do destructive things like contributing to further garbage (because we know most of this stuff is ending up in a garbage can

[@bensmith8682]

That’s what it always was. It was always reckless hedonism

[@TinaJung0218]

@@bensmith8682 true, but it just got worse and worse over time

[@isabellind1292]

@@Younce_Davies If you're an adult, you are responsible for your own choices in life. Anyone who blames outside forces at play will never take responsibility for their own choices in life.

[@amelia3146]

The amount of times I’ve NOT bought something because I “don’t want to deal with it when I move” is astounding. It’s a great reason.

[@cloudstattoos2338]

I am stealing that 🫣🫣

[@sarahhayes861]

Yesss. I fixed my shopping habits just by moving.

[@ecduf]

Same here! I think you actually pay 3 times when you buy something : when you purchase it, when you have to find a space for it and also clean it, and eventually when you need to get rid of it or move with it 😮

[@Sweet_Dee]

For the first time in my life I have spent almost 3 years in the same place vs moving at least once a year and I'm now having the realization of "oh... I've actually collected some shit that I'll probably won't want to move with me." I think I got a little bit too comfortable making purchases because I knew I wouldn't have to pack it all up in just a few months! So now that I'm looking to move again, I'm getting right back on track of not buying things I don't actually need!

[@CaffeineHag]

I got so annoyed with advertisements on KZbin ( that I now pay to avoid) I developed the mentality of 'Well now I won't buy it 😡' every time I see anything vaguely ad like.

[@memelord3348]

Love the whole de-influencing talk. I’m personally really into fashion and have learnt the hard way that just because I like it doesn’t mean I’ll wear it, there’s beauty in just appreciating things without having to buy them

[@skindippedingold]

This is an awesome way of looking at this!

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Agreed I love this mindset! What a great way to think about beautiful things

[@Katherine_xs]

💯💯

[@vvitch-mist20]

One of the things I ask myself is "Would I actually wear this, or would this make a good rug?" usually when faced with a print I like, but not necessarily would wear. Rugs, nice ones, are usually expensive, and you don't buy frequently. 99% of the time I never buy the item. I also sometimes leave things in my cart before purchasing, and in like an hour or so I delete all of it. I also started thrifting way more, and I'm finding that most things in stores I can thrift or make myself.

[@jessicafranco3785]

i like to go “shopping” on pinterest because if it’s something i think is cute but won’t wear, i can pin it to one of my boards and it kinda feels like i own it

[@arinaira1417]

It's just overconsumption all over again. I refuse to use TikTok to be honest

[@sleepysartorialist]

There's good things but the consumerism is sick tbh

[@CaseyAvalon]

Same here. Don't have Tik Tok, and won't get it. The Chinese version is a lot different and healthier. Feel like it's just technological warfare.

[@elizabethr4107]

Same

[@elizabethr4107]

​@@CaseyAvalon💯

[@pamelqtaylor8335]

@@CaseyAvalonthought it was just me

[@ChristianSantiagophoto]

This channel is the sobering backhand we all need to confront the reality of our individual reckless spending 😂 the internet makes it so easy to buy soooo much crap we don’t need.

[@raspberryjamz]

this channel and Caleb Hammer, both discovered just yesterday and I’m already feeling motivated to spend less and tackle debt 😬

[@gilbert4394]

If it took a youtube video to see this youre definitely part of the problem. These are the conclusions that one comes to when they allow just a single neuron to fire

[@Maddysart103]

@@gilbert4394true

[@XYZeke]

I've never used TikTok, and this is one more reason why I will keep it that way

[@emperorchopchop7726]

"Algorithms are going to get better" is the most concise prediction of the future of humanity that I can imagine. We've fed the beast a decade and a half worth of data that tells it all of the things we like, how our relationships work, all the best ways to trigger our dopamine responses, and how to best convice us of things that aren't true. When it was humans who had to comb through that data for patterns it wasn't too bad, but now that AI is looking, it'll find patterns and applications we'd never have thought about. I can't help but feel like I'm biking down a steep hill and I'm reaching the point where I can't keep my feet on the pedals anymore because they're spinning too fast.

[@sSomeawesomeneSs]

it's been AI / ML for a long time, you can probably read some articles about these algorithms if you google it

[@LittleSnacks673]

I felt this comment in my bones.

[@yesterdayitrained]

Very very well said.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

My mindset as of late is, how many hours do I need to work to get this item and is it worth working those hours for this item? I’ve actually started a “spending journal” where I write down every time I spend money and what it was for. It’s really eye opening seeing how much you actually spend vs how much you think you spend

[@yesterdayitrained]

I like this!

[@deidref96]

I’m going to try this 😮

[@yesterdayitrained]

@@deidref96 💯

[@PartyMarty321]

You’re literally handwriting your statement! If you have a debit/credit card I recommend you look at your statement regularly when you buy something and budget what’s coming in and going out. All those small buys add up!

[@jemimajanvier4706]

I stopped overbuying after I realized that none of it would make me less lonely, fill more fulfilled, or the slightest bit happier. This is going to sound slightly pretentious, but I think we give a lot ourselves and a lot of our hopes to inanimate objects in the name of “aesthetics” and “self care”. I realized that the obsession with stuff is like a form of idol worship. Even though we never bow before it, we bask in its glory, hoping that we too could become “godlike” in beauty, joy, and fulfillment.

[@thatstreaminbdoee.7985]

Exactly. Just like the people posting $450+ Sephora hauls 2-3x a month while they have 64 foundations and 80 concealers and 100+ of blush highlight lip products etc rotting away in piles that they never use - all in the name of "self care" 🙄

[@107613cw]

Have you found that you have replaced this habbit with another? Curious how you got out of this routine

[@wizard101er5]

You’re exactly right which is also the reason why a lot of people have trouble getting rid of stuff they don’t care for or is cluttering their homes and making them more miserable.

[@wizard101er5]

I don’t know about OP but something that worked for me a lot was getting rid of anything that felt like clutter and only keeping the necessary, then anytime I tried to open up an online shopping site I would specifically remember how miserable and anxious having a lot of stuff made me feel. If that doesn’t work I usually just keep an item in my bag for a couple of days and think over if this item does anything new from my other items, if it simply just replaces another item or “enhances” it I just don’t let myself buy it

[@HannahSCHAITELFunTIME]

It's kind of like Genesis 3. Christian or not, you'll be able to relate.

[@emilygagne4030]

Your point about absolutely hating every item you own when it’s time to move is so spot on moving always makes me realize just how much utter junk I own I try to be better about getting rid of it and accepting less junk from others but it’s a long road

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Yes I get so angry at past Cara for buying anything every time I move!

[@marioorellana760]

“So what makes you happy”, if consistently giving into materialism makes you happy then your definition of happy is hollow

[@IndyAvocadoKid]

Historically I was a minimum wage guy who couldn’t afford to become materialistic, so I just listened to cheerful music including “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin👍😁😂😆jk

[@rheawelsh4142]

Too many people mix up happiness and satisfaction, it's very satisfying to get shit in the mail and look at it and show it off, but it won't make you happy, and will feel especially meaningless if you're not spacing things out

[@Shirumoon]

@@rheawelsh4142 I'd go as far as saying we shouldn't even strive for happiness (as a constant) but for contentment and peace. Happiness, like other strong emotions, fades again and comes in waves and cycles. We can't make it stay but we get trapped into a dopamine hell by trying to cling onto it. But I admit, it's hard to just wait for the natural highs because they are so few and far between in today's day and age.

[@shineinstars]

​@@Shirumoonyeah + u need sadness to know happiness. once u learn to let urself, say, cry and be sad about things when needed, the happiness you experience when u do/explore hobbies and do things that make u happy will feel and be much more satisfying than any short dopamine hits from overconsumption.

[@jmsl_910]

it's scary... esp when buyers get lulled into downloading apps like Temu.

[@arnold20139]

TEMU is a literal malware or a Trojan Virus now in my eyes. No matter how many Adblocks I use, TEMU always seems to break through.

[@Rashel.J]

I relate to the hatred of clutter so much. Every time I move, packing up my belongings is so stressful. It makes me want to get rid of damn near everything. I’m like, “Why do I even have this?”

[@CiarnaK]

Excellent video! Walmart had a "tiktok made me buy it" makeup display months ago. Just the phrase filled me with the same kind of instant rage that flares up every time I have to deal with people from the local cult (something I consider Quite Telling).

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Thank you!! And oh wow such an interesting display to have at Walmart but not surprised! Crazy how viral things go 😲

[@gibbygibbygibby7237]

Barnes and Noble and some stand-alone bookstores would have an “as seen on booktok” table display

[@skindippedingold]

Even Amazon has a little caption on products that says “popular on TikTok”

[@yougotgamesonyourphone6947]

⁠@@gibbygibbygibby7237literally was just about to stay this. They have a section called “Spicytok” and “booktok”

[@kensiblonde4203]

I avoid anything labeled “TikTok sensation “. Why should I care what some rando on some app likes?

[@meid9158]

Easiest way to not give in to tiktok made me buy it 1. delete tiktok 2. be broke (most effective xD)

[@something-hs1ui]

When you uninstall tiktok you get so many ads to install tiktok

[@lotta5363]

I'm glad you mentioned individual change and pessimism. One person not buying junk won't save the world but multiple individuals not doing that can make change. Something everyone can do is just buy fewer things.

[@Cessna_Gang]

Honestly, choosing to never download this app has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life so far. I only hear people talking about having no attention span, self-control, or even much of a social life anymore. Plus, most of the products for sale are probably not the worth the money youd spend on it and it feels like a novelty "as seen on TV" kind of product.

[@kensiblonde4203]

I don’t have it either. I already have instagram which has the same stuff. Why on earth would I need two of them?

[@playaccount589]

You're content is so refreshing almost every social media platform you go on these days you have people encouraging you to buy everything

[@etherealserenity6043]

I’d like to see a video on ‘deinfluence’ culture as I feel it was low key orchestrated as a way to get people to consume more under the guise of spending less or more wisely. What started off as “you don’t need this” very quickly came “don’t get this.. get THIS instead”. Apologies if you’ve touched on this already, I’m a new subscriber and love the way you explain and talk about these concepts ❤

[@TheWeekendYogurt]

Can we just cancel TikTok all together? It’s fucking poison.

[@the_emigrant]

Social media in general is a drug sold massively (especially to children), The less space we let them have in our lives, the better.

[@littlelettuce1215]

When I got a new phone (iphone13pro) I never downloaded TikTok again. I also never downloaded instagram again and I have so much more confidence than I ever had before and I’m not seeing all this junk I don’t need to buy.

[@aloe8078]

I still have TikTok downloaded but I haven’t used it in almost a year, I feel a lot better not doom scrolling and constantly getting sold to. I still get caught in KZbin shorts (click on one for an anime recommendation and I end up scrolling for hours) but I’m working on being more mindful of my content consumption. Now my wanting to buy things is less “cool thing I saw on TikTok” and more “textbook I’ve seen recommended 10+ times for my Japanese studies” and even then I’m putting off buying it, double checking that it’s a resource I’d use frequently and that it’s an important one to get. The only downside to not using TT is that my best friend still uses it, and I’ll get the “have you seen that guy on TikTok” or “it’s that TikTok trend” or then quoting a bunch of audios I don’t understand, but I was already used to that from being culturally disconnected during high school

[@romaeraegan]

for me its an important source of community because i don't know other autistic people irl outside of my family i rarely get any toxic shit on my feed because i will block anyone that posts things like that :) it can be a positive influence but what's pushed the most usually isn't which is sad

[@Saturnthroughstars]

​@littlelettuce1215 can someone tell me why iPhone users need to state that they have an iPhone? Even the model iPhone they have?

[@CrownMooseCostumes]

I can't even count the number of times I went shopping for specific things in store and the shelves were empty because, according to the associate, "So there was a tiktok ..." It pissed me off so much!

[@saraisreading4231]

When this happens for books it actually makes me happy! I think it’s pretty cool that an author can have breakout success this way. For example Fourth Wing was so popular the first printing sold out and people had to wait months for more paper copies. That being said, it’s much more frustrating when the products are gimicky and you know they’ll end up in a landfill. Or things like skincare/makeup where most of the claims are greatly exaggerated at best.

[@Hannah-sr6qz]

I saw a dress I wanted to buy when I got paid, by the time pay day came round there were none left because it went viral on tiktok 😩

[@PartyMarty321]

@@Hannah-sr6qzthe real question is where was the dress advertised to you at? It could’ve just been something similar to how people on tiktok found out. You could’ve been influenced the same way everyone else did.

[@arsonmouse2511]

I'm honestly happy that I uninstalled tiktok several months ago, watching people that own dropshops or do "tiktok made me buy it" or "amazon finds you need" 9/10 made me think "why is this a thing?" And that 1/10 was a "oh thats cool" but not a want that becomes a NEED.

[@abrielle13]

On a kinda related note...I hate when I see a company joking about going broke buying their products as if it's a good thing. The other day I got an add for a designer bag resell company and it was them cooking the tags from the bags with a caption like "What I'm having for dinner because I spent all my money on purses." 🙄

[@oliviaremak7071]

“Progress is not made through pessimism!” That was so beautifully put.

[@kairos-049]

I wish people would be more candid about buyer’s remorse. For years, I had a big problem with overconsuming skincare and other beauty products. It took so many cycles of buying a bunch of new products, feeling mostly unimpressed, and chasing after shinier, newer products before I finally came to accept that the happiness I got from opening a package of new stuff was fleeting and that once it wore off, I was just overwhelmed with the excess of stuff I’d burdened myself with.

[@BMo33]

Used to just go out and hang with friends pre-quarantine. But the "new normal" or people just growing up and moving farther way made life a bit more boring so (over)consuming has just been a way to fill a void. Trying to reverse course so I definitely appreciate these videos/reminders that I really don't need so many things. Sidenote: loved the "progress is not made through pessimism" line. Definitely going to think about it whenever I'm feeling apathetic.

[@durona]

Real question: what makes Delete Me having my personal data any better than any other service?

[@sleepysartorialist]

They regularly check in with you and if you're paying for it you're not the product, you're the customer. I've had DeleteMe for like a year. It has GENUINELY made me harder to find online and I have a unique as hell name. Until California gets its privacy and deletion regs in order this is the best we can do for the time being.

[@skinnyrat4277]

right... I hate it when people do that in a video thats supposed to be, to some level, self aware of advertising and consumerism. Soooo fucking stupid and borderline insulting

[@Cookiemaster98_98]

This

[@elizabethr4107]

Nothing whatsoever

[@Aubrey2004-j4k]

Ive been asking this for a long time

[@skindippedingold]

This is why I deleted all my social media accounts in 2020 bc simply seeing so much content can heavily influence one’s mind. Was it easy? Absolutely not, But self discipline and delayed gratification has strengthened. I want to become more intentional with managing my finances. I’ve been gradually decluttering my closet for the past month; it’s almost a cathartic experience to let go so so many unnecessary items and create space in my home.

[@PartyMarty321]

I recommend these videos called Financial Audit by Caleb Hammer, those videos show people of all ages that have financial issues and how/why they got to that point. The host then creates a budget for these people and advises what they should be doing to be in a better position. It’s such a great watch that I wish was shown in schools!

[@rozemilkteaz371]

I’m proud to not be influenced by “TikTok made me buy it” because half the time it’s a scam, overpriced, or does not work

[@SkinnyPigDesigns]

I'm always torn because as a full time maker with my own business, I have to use social media to get sales, but at the same time, I hate the constant push for overconsumption 😕

[@The_LadyAJ]

I think the main point missing here is that the passive nature of that statement is on purpose. It's there to ease guilt. It's there to shift blame for your own spending decisions, so you don't have to feel bad about the stupid thing you bought.

[@SurrealExposure12]

Very good point!

[@lilwaffleiron7845]

I'm saving my extra spending money for a strawberry dress. Instead of a bunch of useless junk I'll eventually have the dress I've wanted for years and years

[@navinbalan]

Just found your channel and your values really align with mine. I thought I'd never find someone who talks about these topics of financial freedom and consumerism. Thank you for making these videos.

[@a.ychristian3562]

"Progress is not made through pessimism" is such a good quote

[@CyclingM1867DubbysMama]

It's like the old "the devil made me do it" thing, where people don't take responsibility for their own actions, blaming someone or something else. Of course, yes, there is a certain societal pressure to fit in and to "keep up with the Joneses," or, I guess, these days it's the Kardashians or whoever the latest biggest influencer is at any give moment. Peer pressure is huge. Yet, people still have to take responsibility for their own purchases. Having said this, I've bought stuff I've seen on social media because it looked really cool, and then never used it once I got it home. It's natural, I think, to do such a thing for most of us. But it's a good thing to stop and think before shopping. You provide some great food for thought here, Cara. Hopefully it'll help people who need this message. Such questions have helped me since I started being a lot more careful about what I buy. As someone who's been stupid with her money for much of her life, I'm a warning of how important it is to be careful with money and to stop before you spend. Really think and be careful instead of just splurging willy nilly.

[@TobyPasta]

Your videos about overconsumption made me really realize how many purchases I've made in the past that could've been avoided. I'm happy to now have the insight to fix this problem and really think of my spending. This especially hit me close to home when you talked about packing your stuff up and moving. I went through it this year as I moved from a town to the city and the amount of stuff that filled the U-haul trailer blew me away. It filled the trailer twice all the way to the top, requiring two trips!!! The second load was the worst as the door got jammed because of all of the belongings not giving room for the door to open! And the worst part was packing it up and bringing it to the new place. This weekend I'm sitting down and going through my stuff. I'll try to make a profit on some things but I will be donating a lot to people in need. I really love your channel and I thank you for making informative videos about the harsh reality of overconsumption. You provide true value on this platform!

[@MuseSunflower]

Yes I’m always asking myself “is that something I really need “ Or even better.. “is that something I’m actually going to use consistently” Most stuff you see are not even going to useful to you once the novelty and high of the purchase wears off

[@Snowicorn]

I'm not on tiktok and don't buy stuff from there, but in general I've been thinking about the topic of overconsuption recently. I started noticing many things in my home (I live with my family) that are just lying around and nobody needs them. I just started making my own money and now that I can control what I buy for myself I realised that I have a bunch of clothes that I've had for years now that I never intend to wear or a bunch of pencils and pens that would be enough for a few years, because my mom bought too many of them for school. My plan for now is to buy less things that I don't need and find ways to use the stuff I already have uwu

[@kreonomy]

Finally, a sponsor that’s actually interesting to hear about. Your video also feels like you’re reading an essay which makes it very engaging without being demanding. Thank you for explaining this topic so well.

[@DavidDavisDH]

Impulse/advertising doesn't work on me. Though I just bought a tablet, only because I want to read more books so now I can without having a lot of physical books. I love minimalism, I only buy things with intentional reasons.

[@Angela-vk8xc]

Me too, i don't even know why someone would buy things they don't need, don't fix it if it isn't broken i guess

[@Goddybag4Lee]

We certainly need more education about advertising, money and psychology around consumerism. When you learn the tricks you know better how to move around.

[@pearl_b]

Girl… I’m moving right now and I FEEL THIS ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL! I have so many regrets of buying useless crap I forget about 😅 the amount of stuff still in boxes I’ve found because I didn’t actually have space for it is like really sad…

[@SarahSmith-sp8gg]

Have you considered looking into the over consumption of craft supplies? I am a knitter and the amount of videos on social media of yarn stashes and the tired old jokes of having to hide the yarn shipment before the significat other gets home gets so old. For a hobby that is grown out of priding yourself on providing for a family and 'slow fashion' it feels like craft supplies like yarn or fabric are getting the same treatment as a lot of the same products you discussed in this and previous videos.

[@sagwa_jo_eighty_fo]

Getting off tiktok has been the single best choice I’ve made. I was glued to it from 2019-a couple months ago. All day. Every day. Absorbed in other peoples drama. Zero attention span. It was destroying my brain.

[@Christine-zk6hk]

Have never been on TikTok. the only TikTok videos I've seen are what is replayed on KZbin.

[@kimmeeb]

Rather than asking myself “do I need it” I’ve started asking myself “can I live without it?” Cause I can talk myself into anything given enough time, but it’s much easier to resist the urge if I focus on finding a replacement using something I already have instead. If it is something I decide I need or want enough to justify, I try to find it secondhand first

[@mattsargo6083]

I listened to this as i was driving into work on a Saturday of a long weekend. It was a painful reminder that you called work your first place, and home your second

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

I said it wrong on accident, my bad! 😬 no deeper meaning!

[@fluffyballmimi]

Your point near the end about remembering how annoying it is to pack and unpack things, really hits home! It's another reason for me to pass on stuff that is more of a "want" than a "need" Great video! 💖

[@tanyagill9086]

Hi Cara! Can you please make a video discussing how points and discounts make you consume more

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Absolutely!! I definitely want to cover this topic in the near future 😄

[@miriams.4341]

I’m honestly a great fan of balance. If something brings you joy and you think it will continue to do so, even if it is silly and unnecessary…buy it - the next day. Have a think, have a sleep, if you still want it, get it. Have a silly, happy spending section in your budget planning. I feel neither of the extremes - over consumption or only buying exactly what is truly needed - is happy or sustainable for most people.

[@cyb3rjelly697]

That's one of the reasons I stopped using tik tok! Basically every second video is like a subtle ad of something, whether it's a 'style this top with me!! ' or a fitness video, anything nowadays is related to buying something

[@Deshwie]

I'm so glad I don't have tik tok downloaded. I used to shop all the time years ago, but then I decided to have "don't buy anything year" where I bought only necessities. It was good detox and now I buy things I know I actually use. Like this huge water tumbler, I use it all the time so it was not just a whim buy.

[@katarinachiogna-solovey3560]

I have ADHD so I very much fall victim to this instant dopamine and impulsivity and it is DANGEROUS for me 😅

[@jessica23claire]

So do I! I've been finding that giving myself the rush of putting something in my cart, even proceeding to checkout...then leaving it and either minimising or closing the window, is really helpful.

[@TBG1]

I knew I wouldn't be missing out without having tiktok. However, my mum is fully in that ,,tiktok made me buy it" space and it's terrifying, honestly

[@AxelXionSora]

Words absolutely cannot convey how much I DESPISE the fact the majority of my TikTok fyp is TikTok shop videos. It angers me how most videos are something shop related than videos I’d actually want. Plus it does not help that I’ll see videos on the EXACT SAME ITEM 3 videos in a row, 2 live videos of someone selling something, and then ONE video I actually want to see. It’s infuriating

[@vikkilikki8627]

I hope your video reaches many people who needs to hear this. It is truly a problem for all parts (except for the ones selling)

[@amberreschke9241]

I worked at several stores in malls during the 90s and early 2000s, and I remember when the As Seen On TV store went in. Now there is an As Seen On TV section at Walmart. I haven't seen any stores pop up for TikTok, but I shop at Amazon return stores and I see mounds of impulse buys, dumped like garbage in piles. Soon it'll be in the thrift stores and I'll see the products again. So much junk, everywhere.

[@HannahSCHAITELFunTIME]

The As Seen On TV items **from actual customers and not necessarily influencers** don't get stellar ratings all around either.

[@PhaethonCrafts]

I've only ever purchased one thing from a Tiktok ad, and it was the FHI detangling brush, which I have to say was well worth the purchase. I have rather long as well as really thick hair that gets tangled easily. It's not 100% pain free, but it does make it easier and less painful to get the tangles out, especially after a shower, with minimal breakage. It's also really easy to clean out. I don't use it while blow drying because I don't ever blow dry my hair, but it works great for me.

[@HannahSCHAITELFunTIME]

TikTok didn't even encourage me to get this particular product, but I like it as well.

[@travkenn1019]

Yes do what makes you happy. But also know the distinction between happiness, gratification, and satisfaction. It’s important 😘 😊

[@jetm5453]

as someone who works in the ultimate (pun intended) tiktok beauty store, this is quite refreshing. drunk elephant is not a necessity!!!!!

[@beautyfromashes8775]

Never been a Tiki Toker and never will be. I can see past the dopamine effect in advance and not allow myself to get caught up in that push toward excessive consumerism. Reminds me of Black Mirror where they were watching ads and shows and couldn’t break away from it.

[@oliviaremak7071]

I love the irony of receiving 2 unskippable ads for the new apple watch and for seasonal home decor at hobby lobby prior to being able to watch the video.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

I try to remember to think about whether I have the capacity to take care of something well before I buy it. I hate it when things go to waste or deteriorate because they weren’t cared for! It’s great if they’re well-loved of course, but if they just sat at the back of the fridge or you forgot it was handwash only that’s a different story. Thinking about stuff as a new responsibility really changes your perspective!!

[@nelly430]

That’s the reason I deleted TT after a month...I was buying unnecessary products that I already have or don’t need. It’s addictive.

[@Younce_Davies]

As someone who just graduated college, got a job, and also has impulse disorders; deinfluencing sounds like just being a responsible adult XD

[@la_volpe_eclettica]

I’m very passionate about tattoos, so whenever I feel like buying something impulsively I often end up thinking stuff like “I could spend the 50€ this object costs on a small tattoo”, meaning buying would mean placing the same value on an item that I can live without and won’t last much as a piece of art I could wear for the rest of my days.This usually does the trick for me.

[@kaylar5178]

A lot of these people would find real joy if they just use what they already have and focus on saving it for something they genuinely want deep down that might not be the most cheap and convenient.

[@Eddysig]

As someone who got sick of Tik Tok in 2021 and deleted it, this freaks me out. It's evolved so much and there's no way this is good for people. I hope more 20 somethings are getting sick of their phones too so we can maybe maybe realize the online world isn't real and start living more present lives

[@honeydewmelon190]

Yep, I deleted the app after they added the “tik tok shop”. I loved using tik tok for baking/cooking videos but decided it wasn’t worth keeping the app. Every single video on my for you page was an ad. It feels so dystopian.

[@AmbersDangleenAnkle]

Our phones are just 99% advertising. If its an item or someones personality, someone is ALWAYS selling you something. Im SICK of it. Its disgusting. Its tiresome. Its old.

[@TheRealImaginary]

Anymore if I see "Eligible for commission" I just keep scrolling. I'm so tired of literally everything being an ad!

[@PinkAgaricus]

Also another thing to add, after viewing that advert for a TT Made Me Buy It product research it fully. I feel like digging deep into something that's advertised en masse like those products will probably stop those that actually do their research from purchasing it too. The websites that sell most of this stuff may do questionable stuff in relation to product photos (you order it trusting the picture, but you wind up getting a piece of junk instead). Much of those things are likely going to be drop shipped stuff from Wish or Aliexpress, bought for pennies on the dollar in bulk and printed with that questionable company's logo and brand name. (which I also don't recommend buying from since those sites are the source of most sketchy, upmarked items elsewhere.)

[@HannahSCHAITELFunTIME]

TT Made Me Buy It + Impulse + Lack of Research + Low Quality = TT (Regret)

[@Zoopop13]

for anyone trying to declutter (as i have heard some people start to due to this topic) remember to try to donate or give away what you have if you dont plan on selling items. so much of what “tiktok made me buy” gets thrown in the trash which leads to more environmental issues. learn how to reuse old clothes! upcycle items for different uses! theres so much that can be done to reduce reuse recycle that people just dont even think about and its sad

[@DiamondHead2010]

Love your message I deal with financial plan building and expenses are a huge part of what’s keeping people from a path to financial freedom I’m glad someone like yourself is there to combat other influencer messages of constant consumerism Best of luck and appreciate your content 👍

[@kitkat88816]

I have a friend who bought everything she saw if there was a advert for dog food she would by it even if she didn’t have a dog cause the packaging had dogs on it. She would scroll all these mobile apps and social media and if she saw someone wearing something she would instantly buy it she would spend thousands each month ( her whole pay slip on clothes and plastic figures and pop funkos to the point where she couldn’t afford her rent and would have to beg her parents to pay her rent then she would go out and by a new plastic pop funko and a huge shein shop and if they didn’t fit she would just thrown the in the bin I think some people are just so blindly addicted to shopping for a distraction to mental health. I tried helping so many times but she can’t even go a day with out spending I worry about her cause I’m scared she end up homeless and not being able to afford food

[@un_comfortable]

The fireworks that light up when you clap has me ROLLING you are so the best.

[@CaspianSh]

Bottom line is that these days sense of accountability and responsibility is not valued at all. Blame culture and I’m the victim here is the go to for many people and on many levels. This TikTok made me buy it is yet another version of that.

[@player400_official]

People need to start treating unboxing videos, just like they do TV ads.

[@emptyness7]

Great video, I'm not a big buyer tbh but you helped me put many things into perspective surrounding this topic.

[@thefinancialfreedomgirl]

Thank you so much!

[@OceanWorrier]

I’m moving away from my hometown for the first time and I’ve gotten rid of so much and I still have so much stuff 😭 the idea of having less stuff feels so good but it’s so hard to let go of things.

[@Alex808thegreat]

I see no point in buying a water dispenser when we have kitchen sinks.

[@emmydrama]

You know, something I don't see being discussed in relation to this culture of consumerism is the opportunity to identify and highlight products that help people with disabilities. You get a comment on it every now and then but I haven't found any influencers dedicated to this topic or videos holistically exploring this market. I hate contributing to buying random garbage that will end up in the landfill and I dislike watching videos promoting those types of unecessary objects like the clapping fireworks lights. But as a person with multiple disabilities including arthritis I find that regular tasks take longer for me to do and take more effort removing a lot of agency in regards to having freedom in my life. Paying for the priviledge to make these tasks feel like they do for others "regular" is annoying and expensive but can be a major way to target that loss of agency. I find primarily I look for products that will make my life easier and reduce friction in my life. It's a shame that there isn't a lot of quality content targetting this market and there are also bad faith sellers who commodify disabilities selling snake oil products or phony courses. But the exploding consumer word of mouth culture is what leads to discovering a lot of these products for me and people like me. So, it isn't all bad. A lot of us keep and hold onto stuff like food spiralizers and easy to use can openers. These products can make a huge difference for our quality of life! Even things like sound activated lights can be very helpful for someone who is wheelchair bound for example.

[@deerkota]

Honestly, I miss the earlier days of the internet. I was born in ‘99, so I’m obviously not the best person to speak on ~ye olden days~ or whatever, but right around 2012-2015. Maybe it’s just because that was the time when I started making friends after being bullied for years, or maybe it’s plain old nostalgia, or maybe it’s something else, but I feel like you could just have fun and not worry so much about seeing ads every 5 seconds. I’m just so tired of being bombarded say after day with algorithmic ad-laden bullshit to the point where I can’t even read an article without irrelevant shit taking up half the screen. Every now and then I remember that post talking about “what if companies started projecting ads into the night sky” and it fills me with dread. I feel like while technology is supposed to be able to connect people and expand our horizons, it also has the opposite effect: we’re less likely to engage with people irl because we’re all on our phones; we don’t go to malls to just hang with friends because malls are closing due to shopping becoming more and more digital. Idk. I’m gonna stop there because I just feel drained even just writing about it.

[@kvol1668]

That antigravity water filler thing is a humidifier in idle mode. 😂

[@minimalphilia]

Not to forget that these artificial videos often are just straight up marketing and there is nothing organic about this.

[@vvitch-mist20]

8:26 This attitude is pervasive and it's so fucking annoying. Like no, I have no immediate, or effective change, however we also forget that humans passively learn and adapt to each other, which means if enough of us care then something will eventually start.

[@arikray7030]

I’ve been hit with a lot of debt recently (credit card debt from overspending; shocker!) and it has been super challenging and sucked and I wish it wasn’t the circumstance but it’s also in a way been a really great challenge to practice de influencing myself spending at every whim and I’ve been proud of myself for it!

[@MissWhiskers]

I get the sense Cara Nicole has studied sociology. The way she discusses agency visavi structure to explain human behaviour is something I can recognise. Situated agency is another term to express how humans do make choices but they do so under certain structural constraints and in a sociohistoric context. I immensely enjoy her content. It feels much more put together and thought through than other KZbin commentaries on the same subject matter. Her thinking appears more embedded in social science too.

[@MustAvoidScurvy]

I think that also "Tik Tok made me buy it", allow us to avoid the responsability of the purchases we make. It makes apper like we didn't even have the option not to buy somwthing.

[@homyachik]

I love buying books, crafts supplies and cute stationary to cheer myself up. I understand that it's a bad habit and that I have enough of everything, but it's hard to break this pattern, especially when it's so easy and convenient to do.

[@secretpeace-wp6xg]

If there's one item Tiktok pushes that annoys me is that shadow work journal. The person who made it supposedly worked for the company and I believe did marketing I'm not too sure. There's then this weird crystal bracelet thing they've been trying to sell that supposedly makes you successful if you put it on.

[@HannahSCHAITELFunTIME]

I'm spiritual, and I personally agree that there is a deception involved with those particular items you just mentioned.

[@KatBaumgarten]

I mean this in the nicest way possible and i'm not criticizing your video editing at all but you're so pretty and express yourself so well - you don't need that much b-roll. Sometimes it's kind of distracting from what you're saying, idk if that was just me But great video!!!

[@kozad86]

I just realized that the disgust I feel when someone has their phone at 100 volume while watching the same 7 second video like 5 times is the same sort of disgust that I feel when dealing with intoxicated people. 💁🏼‍♂️

[@myriem2961]

Just discovered your channel and i love it !! thanks for this dose of reality, subscribed

[@gabrielajonczyk5663]

It's addictive. Recommending going from one vid to the next is also recommending addiction behavior.

[@andrij.demianczuk]

Hi Cara, thank you for posting this and much of your other content too. It gives me a way to have conversations with my family about much of our online presence and discuss topics I don’t feel we would otherwise. Your videos DO make a difference. Thank you :)

[@heathernks8]

This was brilliant! I've seen other women on here talking abt TT & Overconsumption but this was succint enough to illustrate the OUTCOMES of each choice. After moving almost 30 times just as an adult, I'm finally getting rid of so much stuff collected throughout my life bc it's so much to dust!😱 I think kids are justifying buying this cr4p as "self-care" or a treat, which can be valid.. I just think it's mostly a way to participate in the Tiktok experience. We don't all need the unBrush tho😂