Underconsumption vs Overconsumption: Which is Worse?

[@mickslife365]

Underconsumption- inspirational when you’re rich, Trashy when you’re poor

[@Nwakaego_]

🗣️FACTS!!!

[@empressmarowynn]

Like a child's mattress on the floor: Montessori if you're rich, neglectful and abusive if you're poor.

[@karlylo]

I didn't know about this trend before this video. What I got is people confuse underconsumption with living bare bones because they THREW out most of their things, they already bought those stuff?? Is that what people are doing now?

[@melteddarkchocolate000]

Right, most of the people on video have the money but they want to learn how to save

[@Bexinnamon]

The consumption Olympics 😂😂😂 people are ridiculous to make this some kind of competition

[@whattodowithlife._.5722]

underconsumption core is just me living my broke life

[@BooksToAshes]

Seriously though. Underconsumption made into a trend is more of a positive imo but feels so weird that it’s glamorized, especially from someone who grew up low income and is currently dealing with no income. So bizarre seeing it from the lens of someone who is forced to do it rather than choosing to do it (I still see it as a good thing though)

[@Nobody-s824]

For real! For everyone living paycheck to paycheck or grew up poor this is normal life. Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing that it's popular in general. But feels a bit exploitative and definitely unacknowledged privilege.

[@Gyarukeir]

real my parents are doing ourhosue os im not really buying how i used to buy shit wout thinking bout it

[@hasanabiclips2428]

Underconsumption and overproduction are critical concepts in Marxist economic theory, often intertwined due to their roots in capitalist dynamics. Marx's analysis of these phenomena stems from his critique of the capitalist mode of production, which inherently seeks to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal needs and sustainable economic balance. **Underconsumption** refers to a situation where the working class, which constitutes the majority of society, cannot afford to buy back the totality of goods and services they produce. This occurs because capitalists, in their pursuit of profit, suppress wages to maximize surplus value. The result is that workers, who form the largest segment of consumers, lack sufficient purchasing power to consume all the goods produced, leading to a general glut in the market. From a Marxist perspective, this is not just a temporary mismatch but a structural flaw in capitalism, as the system inherently restricts consumption to sustain profits. **Overproduction**, closely related, occurs when the productive capacity of a capitalist economy outstrips the ability of consumers to purchase goods. Since capitalists must continually invest in new technologies and methods to increase productivity and outcompete rivals, they end up producing more than can be sold at a profit. The excess goods cannot be consumed within the limits of capitalist profitability, leading to crises of overproduction where goods sit unsold, businesses cut back or close, and workers are laid off, exacerbating the cycle of underconsumption. Historically, these crises have been pivotal in shaping capitalist development. For example, the Great Depression of the 1930s can be analyzed as a severe crisis of overproduction, where the collapse of consumer demand led to widespread business failures and mass unemployment. Marxists argue that such crises are not anomalies but regular occurrences in capitalist economies, reflecting the inherent contradictions of the system. In a materialist analysis, these contradictions arise from the capitalist relations of production, where the means of production are privately owned, and the primary goal is the accumulation of capital. The drive for profit leads to exploitation, where the value produced by workers exceeds the value of their wages (surplus value), and this surplus is appropriated by capitalists. However, as capitalists extract more value and suppress wages, they undermine the very market needed to sustain their profits, leading to cyclical crises of overproduction and underconsumption. Marxist theory suggests that these crises cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism because they stem from its fundamental structure. Instead, they argue for the necessity of transitioning to a socialist mode of production, where production is planned according to social needs rather than private profit, and the wealth produced by society is distributed more equitably, thus resolving the contradictions of underconsumption and overproduction.

[@MaryB3ary]

real

[@soymilkman]

Actually hate how literal tiktok has to take every single word that comes into use.

[@SocksWithSandalsEnjoyer]

TikTokfication goes crazy

[@brzt4256]

I hate more how it has to add "core" to everything

[@dismurrart6648]

Something I really find annoying about tiktok is seemingly no one on there feels like they can do anything unless it's a trend.

[@arissamazumder]

@@brzt4256 SAME! Honestly I just hate that word now

[@brandoncorey-gp1lr]

And turn everything into a trend or aesthetic/personality/lifestyle

[@daisychains8144]

I had no idea it was such a gigantic deal to use products until they run out

[@areswalker5647]

I was like "bruh obviously you use it until you finish it, why would you even buy a new one if you're still not done with the previous one?"

[@boyfloppie]

yeah but online it's a rare thing LOL seen way too many people throw out things they barely used / used like half of it so yeah it's a huge deal when influencer don't and use it until its run out

[@amandak.4246]

@@areswalker5647because with overconsumption, it isn't possible to finish products before they expire

[@echouv661]

@@areswalker5647 LITERALLY. what are the rest of yall out here doing???

[@neurodiverseintrovert9238]

​@@areswalker5647 I do that lol but only with products I really like, because I do finish them EVERYTIME😭

[@Matt80445]

underconsumption-core becoming is a thing is like a brand taking a meme and using it in branding

[@hasanabiclips2428]

Underconsumption and overproduction are critical concepts in Marxist economic theory, often intertwined due to their roots in capitalist dynamics. Marx's analysis of these phenomena stems from his critique of the capitalist mode of production, which inherently seeks to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal needs and sustainable economic balance. **Underconsumption** refers to a situation where the working class, which constitutes the majority of society, cannot afford to buy back the totality of goods and services they produce. This occurs because capitalists, in their pursuit of profit, suppress wages to maximize surplus value. The result is that workers, who form the largest segment of consumers, lack sufficient purchasing power to consume all the goods produced, leading to a general glut in the market. From a Marxist perspective, this is not just a temporary mismatch but a structural flaw in capitalism, as the system inherently restricts consumption to sustain profits. **Overproduction**, closely related, occurs when the productive capacity of a capitalist economy outstrips the ability of consumers to purchase goods. Since capitalists must continually invest in new technologies and methods to increase productivity and outcompete rivals, they end up producing more than can be sold at a profit. The excess goods cannot be consumed within the limits of capitalist profitability, leading to crises of overproduction where goods sit unsold, businesses cut back or close, and workers are laid off, exacerbating the cycle of underconsumption. Historically, these crises have been pivotal in shaping capitalist development. For example, the Great Depression of the 1930s can be analyzed as a severe crisis of overproduction, where the collapse of consumer demand led to widespread business failures and mass unemployment. Marxists argue that such crises are not anomalies but regular occurrences in capitalist economies, reflecting the inherent contradictions of the system. In a materialist analysis, these contradictions arise from the capitalist relations of production, where the means of production are privately owned, and the primary goal is the accumulation of capital. The drive for profit leads to exploitation, where the value produced by workers exceeds the value of their wages (surplus value), and this surplus is appropriated by capitalists. However, as capitalists extract more value and suppress wages, they undermine the very market needed to sustain their profits, leading to cyclical crises of overproduction and underconsumption. Marxist theory suggests that these crises cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism because they stem from its fundamental structure. Instead, they argue for the necessity of transitioning to a socialist mode of production, where production is planned according to social needs rather than private profit, and the wealth produced by society is distributed more equitably, thus resolving the contradictions of underconsumption and overproduction.

[@sleepysartorialist]

Fr. It's very weird.

[@nharber9837]

Reminds me if when Good Will capitalized on that song and absolutely ruined thrift shopping for everyone who needed it. Now you have to compete for trash with resellers while they sell anything half decent online for essentially retail prices.

[@barnacleboi2595]

​@hasanabiclips2428 Good point, but you have clearly glossed over the most important point in your essay: I have a long, thick, veiny, and hard pp kthxbai 42069.

[@NBDYSPCL]

It's like how minimalism became an aesthetic and you had bespoke 'minimalist' furniture (read, half the size for quadruple the price)

[@shiro-akane]

fun fact: Petroleum Jelly (edit: Vaseline is the brand name btw) doesn't actually expire by itself. the problem is having microorganisms thrive when you use bare hands or fingers to use them. The 3yr expiration date is a safety suggestion from the FDA for regulation and replacement.

[@dookinater9756]

thats so useful! ty

[@nothankyou7979]

For some reason i thought u were gonna say „fun fact: petroleum jelly doesn‘t actually have any jelly in it!“

[@00smodels]

I’m watching a video about the origin of Vaseline. Works great for minor burns. People actually used to put it in their food. Yeah, it can be eaten. You shouldn’t do it, a long time ago it was considered a food. The creator used to eat a teaspoon everyday. 🫣

[@baby.nay.]

My parents had a nasty jar like this growing up in the 90s, I can’t go near the stuff now .

[@baby.nay.]

@@00smodelsyea the dudes would scrape it off the drilling equipment jus so gross lol

[@terafairy]

Can’t wait for regular consumption core 😀

[@hamburger7243]

How about all-consumption core? Where you use every resource available to you across the entire universe, leaving nothing left in your wake, becoming the one true lifeform.

[@hasanabiclips2428]

Underconsumption and overproduction are critical concepts in Marxist economic theory, often intertwined due to their roots in capitalist dynamics. Marx's analysis of these phenomena stems from his critique of the capitalist mode of production, which inherently seeks to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal needs and sustainable economic balance. **Underconsumption** refers to a situation where the working class, which constitutes the majority of society, cannot afford to buy back the totality of goods and services they produce. This occurs because capitalists, in their pursuit of profit, suppress wages to maximize surplus value. The result is that workers, who form the largest segment of consumers, lack sufficient purchasing power to consume all the goods produced, leading to a general glut in the market. From a Marxist perspective, this is not just a temporary mismatch but a structural flaw in capitalism, as the system inherently restricts consumption to sustain profits. **Overproduction**, closely related, occurs when the productive capacity of a capitalist economy outstrips the ability of consumers to purchase goods. Since capitalists must continually invest in new technologies and methods to increase productivity and outcompete rivals, they end up producing more than can be sold at a profit. The excess goods cannot be consumed within the limits of capitalist profitability, leading to crises of overproduction where goods sit unsold, businesses cut back or close, and workers are laid off, exacerbating the cycle of underconsumption. Historically, these crises have been pivotal in shaping capitalist development. For example, the Great Depression of the 1930s can be analyzed as a severe crisis of overproduction, where the collapse of consumer demand led to widespread business failures and mass unemployment. Marxists argue that such crises are not anomalies but regular occurrences in capitalist economies, reflecting the inherent contradictions of the system. In a materialist analysis, these contradictions arise from the capitalist relations of production, where the means of production are privately owned, and the primary goal is the accumulation of capital. The drive for profit leads to exploitation, where the value produced by workers exceeds the value of their wages (surplus value), and this surplus is appropriated by capitalists. However, as capitalists extract more value and suppress wages, they undermine the very market needed to sustain their profits, leading to cyclical crises of overproduction and underconsumption. Marxist theory suggests that these crises cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism because they stem from its fundamental structure. Instead, they argue for the necessity of transitioning to a socialist mode of production, where production is planned according to social needs rather than private profit, and the wealth produced by society is distributed more equitably, thus resolving the contradictions of underconsumption and overproduction.

[@modkip25]

cant wait for zero-waste core

[@icantwiththis]

Normal Core

[@bandanarathore]

​@@hasanabiclips2428 And how is that going for the communist countries? Capitalism has even invaded communist countries. What any system lacks is A. The basic things that people are prone to selfishness and corruption so absolute decision making should not be in some people's hands, change in leadership from time to time is necessary. B. Thinking that decision making by few people will always be accepted to the society at large. People have been alienated from communities, but even tight group mentality is not healthy. Grouping alienates people who think even slightly different than the group. There needs to be a balance, which no system is currently able to provide. I am in favour of mixed economy and a welfare state however, I am very much aware that it is prone to corruption of officials and leaders and even normal people.

[@languina]

this reminds me of people comparing traumas and who's more traumatized 💀

[@rainydevilgaming7386]

It's a fun game. Cuz we all end up wheezing in the end 😂 There are way too many traumatized ppl in the world but at least we can laugh about it 😮‍💨

[@pensandshakers]

@@rainydevilgaming7386 I can't laugh about my traumas. The asthma will kick in and I'll need to lie down until I can breathe again.

[@rainydevilgaming7386]

@@pensandshakers I am so sorry that your asthma prevents you from laughing too much 😔

[@pensandshakers]

@@rainydevilgaming7386 Only when it's activated, which is a couple times a year now that I have good meds for it. I was just trying to make a joke based on your comment.

[@rainydevilgaming7386]

@@pensandshakers glad to hear that you take care of yourself. In other news, life's a b sometimes and if you can laugh, I'll wait till you regain your breath to laugh some more

[@icantwiththis]

Working retail for 10 years taught me to resist consumerism.

[@larissabrglum3856]

Same

[@GraduateJLN]

Same…

[@Letthembelightpeaceonelove]

Right, I always just imagine people taking what they bought home, being entertained for a few minutes or after a few uses, and then just being unsatisfied again and wanting more. I think overconsumption is much worse than underconsumption.

[@anonymousposter6461]

​@@LetthembelightpeaceoneloveWhen I saw the sheer volume of plastic being thrown away, it darkened my soul permanently. All for convenience and money. And my store is small.

[@animetoonshd3889]

I’ve worked at a supermarket behind the cash register for 1 year and yeah same

[@sanjanat1085]

What gets me is how since it's a trend to underconsume, people film themselves throwing away perfectly good makeup and clothes because they think that's underconsumption: having less things. If you have perfectly good items, especially makeup that's unexpired, refrain from buying more until they run out or just go bad from wear and tear and you absolutely need the item. Also y'all, continuing to use expired makeup is not underconsumption, it's a health hazard! Especially anything that goes near your eyes and mouth which is practically every makeup item

[@Dartenonnys]

💯! this is like the minimalism/sustainable living/konmari trend again. Don’t get me wrong, there’s something to be said for using less, but don’t get rid of good stuff to show off to others!

[@nerida3347]

If you wanna have less, that's fine, but like.. women's shelters would love to have all this stuff?

[@sanjanat1085]

@@nerida3347 I'd agree, but it seems risky to donate even used makeup due to the risk of getting infections. With all the people online saying they got Herpes from sharing lipgloss, it seems risky. But I guess it could be donated with a cautionary note. Things like clothes though, they could very easily be given away to goodwill but the majority of things people have online as influencers nowadays is Shein and that's not exact tly quality enough to make it to a donation basket. it's a huge part of the problem.

[@Yosatorn.Asavapatr.Naptvik]

unopened expired makeup can b valuable for morticians, especially ppl who r still learning 😊

[@StoryBird2]

It's a bit weird seeing people throwing things away to 'under-consume' lol, but it's also weird to consider keeping an item as long as you can to be under-consuming as well. Seems like the intended way to use an item. I have tons of stuffed animals I bought but if I keep them for the rest of my life I guess that means I'm under-consuming (joke)

[@teaja211]

damn it should be mindful consumption. reusable products, buying better quality clothes that lasts longer, dont buy things you dont need that wont be used, dont buy things just because its discount, choosing products that can be recycled.

[@teaja211]

also its not overconsumption to have cabinets filled of spices wtf. you buy spices, salt, sugar, flour, rice etc in bulk. ofc you gonna store it, and not throw away excess.

[@Narangarath]

​@@teaja211 And of course (right??) you're going to stock up when staple items go on sale, so your inventory level is going to vary. Like, sometimes I have 6 (or however many I could buy at the sale price) cans of tuna in the cupboard and sometimes I have none. Nothing better than pulling out the spare and not needing to go to the store. ☺️

[@teaja211]

@@Narangarath sure you can stock up on items you know you will buy either way ! as long as you end up consuming it in time.

[@zebnemma]

Yes but even if you are a low consumer/mindfull consumer I think we should allow ourselves to live a little too sometimes. Sometimes making a spontaneous purchase can be pretty freeing. If I'm mindfull 99% of the year I think I can buy one thing per year that's "just because I felt like it". Also even mindfull consumers might have items that are to someone else "unnecessary" but maybe it makes the person happy so why judge??? And if it's related to some sort of hobby or passion having more of that thing is to someone else "overconsumption" but it's not for the person who has it. You are allowed to like things, and thus you will buy more of that thing. It would be a pretty sad life if you are so strict with yourself that you think having any luxury=bad person. Which to some mentally ill people is a real feeling.

[@cristiplopeanu]

mind-ful ... that's overconsumption!!

[@diemhummel9420]

Buying multiples of thing you know youre going to use isnt wasteful or ‘overconsumption’. I know i will eventually eat all the pasta, and its on sale, so im going to buy 3 boxes because i need to save money. Neither is getting yourself a luxury item you know you are going to use and not just replace as soon as the next model comes out. Get yourselves the things you need and want if you know those things will be used and valued. The whole competition to see who can survive with less is dumb. And kind of classist. Poor people (like myself) stock up on things we might not have access to in the future. Its a safety net. Rich people can go without because they know if they actually really need it, they can go get it without a second thought because with money, your access to things is hardly ever in question. Dont feel bad for needing or wanting things and getting them for yourself. If you know that thing will be valued for a good chunk of time or will be used completely, then its worth getting. Dont let people on the internet shame you for surrounding yourself with helpful and joyful things.

[@sarahaque1382]

THANK YOU THESE PPL ARE SO ANNOYING

[@nunya7575]

Exactly! My brother has cancer and there are things I have to stock up on and can’t go without such as gloves and baby wipes and cleaning products because we can’t risk going without.

[@neonjays]

Me overconsuming because I bought 2 packs of paper towels instead of 1 smh

[@GoodPersonTestWebsite]

Yes! Rather have a couple months of food in the house than have to run out to the store every two days.

[@nerida3347]

I love bulk buying pasta and rice sm and I'm luckily financially stable, means I won't be caught off guard in the kitchen and have more money for dates and the like

[@TheoRouco]

the people with gym shoes with holes in them make me nervous, girly when the soles start to wear out of shoes you're active in you need new ones or you'll need new knees in a few years

[@deltasaves]

I did this and I’m paying the price now 20 yrs later.

[@renzer1432]

If you're using your shoes regularly, especially at the gym, you're supposed to replace them every 6 months-1 year.

[@firewind3509]

6 months???!

[@renzer1432]

@@firewind3509 Yes if you're running on your shoes frequently they're going to wear down that fast

[@GraduateJLN]

@@firewind35096 months is crazy….Especially even you’re buying brand name shoes like Nike

[@meganh7526]

when I rented my first place I slept on a mattress on the floor and used a cardboard box as a bedside table... but I was just broke. Also seeing the stocked pantry bit made me think about Costco... I think it's REALLY easy to get carried away but buying bulk cleaning supplies, TP and paper towel, personal hygiene stuff etc is just good financial sense. Folks who have made underconsumption their whole personality made be icked out by the 9 pack of pasta I picked up a couple of weeks ago, but trust me, I WILL eat it all in a timely manner.

[@EEsmalls]

I've come into apartments more than once sleeping on several thick blankets as a mattress, TV on the floor, bare minimum kitchen items, 1 luggage of clothes. It's amazing how long you can survive on/with way less than you thought you could.

[@KendallM0219]

I think one of the best things about costco is you can buy those things you normally pick up all the time here and there throughout the month and save money purchasing them. Never go to costco without a plan or you’ll leave with 100 things you didn’t need. Costco is a lifesaver for me and my family while the normal grocery stores are price gouging insanely. Sure some things have gone up a little in costco but nothing like Kroger, Target, and those other stores. Even my local grocery stores are fucking nuts. I swear I’m not paying 9$ for a 12 oz dish soap. Not happening.

[@deltasaves]

I’d rather spend a bit more to get essentials on a good price. This commodifying “looking poor” and it being a flex is just as bad as these restocker people. If I find a good deal on the toothpaste I and my dude need, imma get 4 tubes instead of just one or two. Same with paper towels, dish soap, etc.

[@lindsey6187]

I'm not really broke but my mattress is still just on the floor. I can't see spending another couple hundred on some wood to hold the mattress y'know...and I vacuum daily so I'm not concerned about filth

[@lily.97]

@@lindsey6187 Home Depot has a 100 metal bed frame if I’m not wrong look around all the stores including home depot they sell random things you wouldn’t imagine

[@BrianaCunningham]

Even when I'm not poor, I love thrift shopping and DIY. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

[@RoamingFlower]

Love the positive thinking for WHEN you are not poor ;)

[@CarisiCreates]

Tell me you’re a millennial without telling me you’re a millennial vibes you are giving of here are noted.

[@christinemaria77]

"Waste not, want not"

[@felinetherapy4782]

Yes! I really get the guilts now with the impact on the environment with things I buy.

[@BrianaCunningham]

@@felinetherapy4782 me too 100%

[@kvarner6886]

I keep reading your poster as "Princess Roanoke," and now I know what happened to the lost colony. They moved to Canada, became K-Pop stans, and started a successful youtube channel. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you're a long-lost princess.

[@hasanabiclips2428]

Underconsumption and overproduction are critical concepts in Marxist economic theory, often intertwined due to their roots in capitalist dynamics. Marx's analysis of these phenomena stems from his critique of the capitalist mode of production, which inherently seeks to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal needs and sustainable economic balance. **Underconsumption** refers to a situation where the working class, which constitutes the majority of society, cannot afford to buy back the totality of goods and services they produce. This occurs because capitalists, in their pursuit of profit, suppress wages to maximize surplus value. The result is that workers, who form the largest segment of consumers, lack sufficient purchasing power to consume all the goods produced, leading to a general glut in the market. From a Marxist perspective, this is not just a temporary mismatch but a structural flaw in capitalism, as the system inherently restricts consumption to sustain profits. **Overproduction**, closely related, occurs when the productive capacity of a capitalist economy outstrips the ability of consumers to purchase goods. Since capitalists must continually invest in new technologies and methods to increase productivity and outcompete rivals, they end up producing more than can be sold at a profit. The excess goods cannot be consumed within the limits of capitalist profitability, leading to crises of overproduction where goods sit unsold, businesses cut back or close, and workers are laid off, exacerbating the cycle of underconsumption. Historically, these crises have been pivotal in shaping capitalist development. For example, the Great Depression of the 1930s can be analyzed as a severe crisis of overproduction, where the collapse of consumer demand led to widespread business failures and mass unemployment. Marxists argue that such crises are not anomalies but regular occurrences in capitalist economies, reflecting the inherent contradictions of the system. In a materialist analysis, these contradictions arise from the capitalist relations of production, where the means of production are privately owned, and the primary goal is the accumulation of capital. The drive for profit leads to exploitation, where the value produced by workers exceeds the value of their wages (surplus value), and this surplus is appropriated by capitalists. However, as capitalists extract more value and suppress wages, they undermine the very market needed to sustain their profits, leading to cyclical crises of overproduction and underconsumption. Marxist theory suggests that these crises cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism because they stem from its fundamental structure. Instead, they argue for the necessity of transitioning to a socialist mode of production, where production is planned according to social needs rather than private profit, and the wealth produced by society is distributed more equitably, thus resolving the contradictions of underconsumption and overproduction.

[@Cauldrxn]

@@hasanabiclips2428who?

[@somebodyidk2]

what is bro talking about

[@sophia2713]

@@somebodyidk2pretty sure it’s a bot who copied/pasted a Wikipedia article.

[@ragcat3732]

My dumbass thought “wow that name reminds me of princess mononoke” and then I read the poster you were referring to

[@Dio_Florian]

To me overconsumption is when a person buys too many items or items that aren't needed, to be visually pleasing to social media. Normal (or under) consumption is when a person buys items they need or is resourceful to save money, regardless if it's visually pleasing.

[@valkyrie1066]

Number two. 👍 Do you want it, or do you NEED it. Are you actually going to use it? Seems like appropriate questions to ask yourself. I knew a man ho adopted a purebred husky pup because someone he respected in sports had one. This man had never owned a pet before. He wanted to own one, he had now earthly idea of how to properly CARE FOR one. Even for a dog lover a husky is a challenge. He found any kind of maintenance distasteful. I was so very grateful he rehomed the poor pup. It isn't something you buy to show people you own.

[@rasbyy]

To me underconsumption is consumption that doesnt satisfy the needs (properly), hence UNDER. I feel like the tiktok that was shown where the cabinets were full and things like cutting boards used over a longer period of time can be considered mindful consumption (consumption that satisfies the needs and doest go further than that), as the cutting boards still meet the needs and the stocked up items are gonna be used mindfully in the future (which is the reason why I think it doesnt fall under overconsumption), while the tiktok with the shoes falling apart can be classified as underconsumption. What I'm trying to say is that I disagree with the the idea of normal consumption being equal to underconsumption and therefore think that there should be a distinction made between mindful consumption and underconsumption. Also, Id argue that normal consumption is basically overconsumption as that is the norm society imposes on us (but thats another topic)

[@Unhappytimeaper]

I mean as someone who was in poverty growing up things like this are always so weird to me of others pretending like wanting nice stuff is a crime. I care that people be mindful on what they buy/how much they buy/etc but people are allowed to get new things. People are allowed to have nice things that make them happy. Over and over trends like this feel like they want to shift the blame to individuals rather than the corporations who will continue to do harmful practices that deserve the attention of getting scolded rather than some random 20 year old who likes fake nails. Yeah, don't drop 2k in a week on clothes but if I want to collect merch from an interest I've had for 10 years as home decor I'm going to get it. If something breaks or is falling apart I am going to try to replace it to make my life easier-- I've been in the position where you have to worry about food and heating and using shoes that are falling apart but now that I have the money I'm going to make sure I'm not in that position again.

[@Widdekuu91]

Fixing things is sometimes better than replacing them.

[@Unhappytimeaper]

@@Widdekuu91 and here is the thing… you said sometimes. That’s point- if things have easy repairs yeah I’ll fix it but I’m not someone who can easily repair everything. I don’t have the time or skills for certain repairs (not to mention at times requiring me to buy items I wouldn’t use again) and if that’s the case I don’t think it’s wrong to tell people it’s okay to just replace it. If your cooking pot you’ve had for 8 years and the handle comes off there isn’t any shame in just replacing it, especially if you are someone who cooks multiple times a day- that is simply not going to be the face of consumerism. Repairs, second hand, and such are good options to follow if you can but I’m not going to think someone who keeps around broken objects as “oh it still kinda works” as fighting consumerism less they can’t literally replace it.

[@soloheroina]

this! people showing off their torn up shoes like s badge of honor feels rly gross. most of my family dont have the choice of not wearing shoes that are falling apart. cosplaying poverty makes the wealthy feel righteous.

[@Authorthings]

Same. ❤

[@Authorthings]

​@@soloheroina for sure. Because if they needed something, they wouldn't have to choose.

[@amynellibabi]

Why can't people just be more responsible consumers without making it an aesthetic?

[@Lacewise]

They want that sweet sweet content money and clout

[@micaelemagalhaes9274]

Because they can only follow trends

[@wasabee8228]

Because people are inherently dumb/ignorant and common sense is in fact, not common at all.

[@ahstiasummers5583]

That doesn't look good enough for Tiktok or Instagram

[@knives.3733]

Its easier to do things when you romanticise it. Shrug.

[@rosenaqua]

Underconsumption core is just minimalism gone wrong

[@kakumee]

Having food, like a full pantry and fridge/freezer has been my life's goal since I was a kid!!! I fanillly got that, just this month and year(8/13/24)!! I was so poor food didn't exist (barely that's why I eat uneaditble things to gave something in me)

[@mar35962]

i am so proud of you! ❤

[@snivybun]

im so happy for you that you finally get to experience it now ❤

[@planefan082]

Seriously though, having a stocked fridge does not make you some sort of 'class traitor'! The answer to it not being normal for everyone with a job is to reform or revolt, not to shame those WHO CAN FINALLY AFFORD TO EAT!

[@pensandshakers]

@@planefan082 When I saw that comment, my jaw dropped, because that is such a privileged, American thing to think. Only in America would a stocked pantry and a full fridge be seen as a bad thing. Imagine being shamed for buying a bulk bag of beans instead of just enough to get through the week/day/whatever would please these people. There's a reason people buy in bulk - it's generally cheaper!

[@nikathejellyfish]

2:23 "ka-chan" sent shivers down my spine in a "serial killer is approaching me"- way

[@Blasho950]

Genuinely spine-chilling

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

Voice Hero: Is it creepy that it feels like Midoriya is going to kidnap and ritualistically murder Bakugo? Eraser Head: I think it's creepier that he hasn't already. All Might: I don't think Izuku is going to murder anybody because he is a good boy.

[@Sweep-u5k]

@@hypothalapotamus5293 present mic..?

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

@@Sweep-u5k Yeah, the annoying speaker dude.

[@stop0p]

​@@hypothalapotamus5293 that's crazy

[@karentapia8868]

In our country we call this “abajismo” (lower-ism? 😂) its like “trying to look poor to seems like a hardworking person” for privileged people. Just pose. Its the same people who goes to africa to “solve” hunger 😂.

[@dubblebubbletoilandtrouble6646]

If that's Spanish, thanks for the new vocab word!

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

I think this is more "let them eat cake" ragebait.

[@gog3005]

the realest version of underconsumption core is every mf on extreme cheapstakes

[@-ayay-97]

YESSS, like are you 'mattress on floor cheap' or extreme cheapskate 'SHARIBG BATHWATER' cheap???

[@RobinLundqvist]

I get that idea but the cheapskates on the show are often saving all their money for some weird obsession they have, like collecting mannequins.

[@410unknown]

The thing about all the “consumption” online is mostly just people plugging affiliate/sponsored products they get for free? We all know the average person doesn’t do that stuff, or can’t afford that stuff…

[@lonewolf8667]

This is what have been bothering me about videos commenting on trends. Those trends are mostly social media posts that are made to generate clicks. Those posts don't represent irl people. I can't remember the last time I watched a video/post that weren't meant to be content for clicks and income. Everything we watch and follow now is in one way or another a business.

[@MoochieMary]

Not everyone knows that it isn't normal to have all that junk. Think about the very young kids on tiktok. Those kids are being exposed to those kinds of videos (which are often just ads) on mass without the context of "You are being sold to. This isn't normal"

[@Helpmefindthewilltolive]

@@MoochieMary 1. it is not the internet's responsibility to raise, coddle, or educate your children in the first place. I notice majority of these "child safety concerns" presented in alot of videos surrounding "harmful" content can simply be solved by encouraging people to raise their own kids 2, hypothetically; even if children are watching these tiktoks and learning from it - why would it even matter? they can't buy or "overconsume" anything to begin with, they're children, and even if they did get "influenced" they would just grow out of it. 3. why do people talk as if all kids are completely brainless? children mostly learn their behavior from their parents and their surroundings to determine what's normal. their parents likely aren't buying a bunch of random junk that could normalize over consumerism - so they aren't going to normalize over consumption, they can tell by their environment that it isn't corresponded to their reality.

[@MoochieMary]

@Helpmefindthewilltolive I bring up this concern because kids are on the internet, unsupervised, for too much time. It is on the parents to restrict access and to provide insights like "this is unrealistic". As someone who was raised by the internet, I had no idea what was fake or real. You know that ppl are dumb and believing shit if you ever go into a tiktok comment section and see the dumbest comments with tons of upvotes. I am not medi literate becuase I figured it out on my own, I am one of the stupid ppl in the masses. I am media literate because I have watched yt videos where people break down these concepts. I am stupid and gullible as an adult and I can't even begin to tell you how much more other, older adults in my life are more so. We need to state things like "this is unrealistic" often and openly, because the masses are stupid as fuck and believe anything they see or hear enough. Trump said "it doesn't matter what you say, if you say it enough, they will believe you."

[@MoochieMary]

@Helpmefindthewilltolive also, I work woth adults with kids who get them to buy them "crumble cookie" and all those other tik token trends and the parents do it because adults are stupid too. Kids are a valuable consumer market

[@princessmaya999]

Ya'll can we just LIVE. Just consume normally (if you can.) It's okay to have things you like, it's okay to go shopping for fun things, just don't do it too much. You don't need to live off the bare bones if you have the funds to do otherwise.

[@jennad5905]

"Yeah you don't need makeup to live, but if you're a woman & want an easier life you kind of have to" The amount I felt that 💀💀

[@storyinternships9636]

I'm so into ur base curls and natural hair color... plus Vaseline and glossy lip tint...I'm into Edvasiancore now 😊

[@taylora.4253]

Thanks! Really enjoy your videos and commentary. I like that you give multiple perspectives on a topic. And as a plus, your voice is very soothing.

[@lillyhenry.mp3]

i think that all people could utilize watching The Minimalists. Not to be focused on the "underconsumption trend" but to rather be mindful of what we consume and how much. If someone likes trinkets for the Stanley, and it brings them joy, then great! If someone finds joy in having one multi-purpose utensil, also good. But just being mindful of purchases, how much joy it'll bring us, and finding purpose in our 'stuff' while keeping room for the 'things' that really do matter to us (hopefully it's friends, family, passions instead of having seven hoodies of each color)

[@modkip25]

Doesn't change the fact that all that plastic you're buying is one day going to end up in a landfill.

[@nerdycurls6253]

The last thing you mentioned is the problem. Many people these days struggle to have/maintain relationships, when your lonely and just work all day buying what you like for a little joy makes sense. It's honestly sad.

[@rhiannonm8132]

i agree, i feel like the “-cores” would die out faster if all of us who are so focused on analyzing it and bashing people for it would just turn our energy toward talking about these sorts of real solutions and what a healthier, more respectful mindset would actually be… we can’t seem to keep ourselves from making everything black and white and divisive and it’s getting tiring, i know this specifically is a commentary channel so that’s the point lol and i love a good gossipy commentary channel but i think in this case there’s an overall trend to talk about how dumb people are for buying into underconsumptioncore when it would be more helpful to actually be like, ok, ppl are interested in consuming less, let’s talk about THAT.

[@b1mbap]

The fact that material goods bring joy to people (to some is more extreme than others) is the reason why overconsumption exists in the first place

[@annatttttttt67584]

The Minimalists are probably the worst place to learn about being mindful with consumption xd

[@ChibiChuri]

There's a difference between having good spending habits and being a cheapskate. You can still buy nice things for yourself.

[@sofetchxx]

that “KACCHAN” caught me so off guard 😂

[@MaDKiTKaTTT]

I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS COMMENT SO HARD IM DYING 🤣🤣🤣

[@CandyThePuppy]

Same 😭

[@what_equals_42]

The woman who thinks keeping her dog for three years is "underconsumption core"...I hope she's joking. Pets are for life. 😰

[@vrymri]

Girl duh

[@ItsBrendo]

You need to trade them in before they depreciate too much.

[@pro-hz7kx]

She’s literally seeing the dog as a temporary property/product instead of a living being

[@landers737]

​@@pro-hz7kxit's... satirical

[@feelstora3]

As someone who wants to live a simple life, not focused on material things, this trend is insane and completely misses the point. Like people arguing about what is and what isn't. Of course I can agree the less stuff you have, the easier your life is but that doesn't mean cut back on everything for the sake of it. Doesn't mean I will neglect my skin care routine or bus cleaning supplies to use at a later time. Also using small bottles of everything is more wasteful since you have to buy it more often. Yes, you can think carefully if you really need something and maybe sometimes you don't. But it still has to be balanced and idk... if it's broken buy a new one (especially shoes).

[@deltasaves]

I will buy new shoes if I need to. Key here is getting a quality shoe. Same with my work uniforms. I have worn the same ones for many years and this year I’m slowly getting new ones so I can look and feel more professional in my day to day as a nursing manager.

[@zebnemma]

Yes I was confused about the shaming for "oh but you have fake nails on". Yeah you can be a mindful consumer but still have some things in your life that is "luxury". It would be depressing af to NEVER treat yourself to anything. "you are only allowed to have exactly 5 or less of this thing or else it's overconsumption". Ehmmm ever heard about having a hobby??? Just stay away from social media and tiktok in general. They have somehow even turned mindfull consumerism into brainrot (or like a competition, virtue signalling bs).

[@deltasaves]

@@zebnemma they take it as we all have to look like 17th century seeds covered in mud 😞 As far as nails, I like having mine look nice and tbh, mine rip easy and having something on them to bolster their strength is best for me. And like you said: too many people are worried about keeping up with trends and I'm just over here fighting for the rights of my patients who have mental illnesses and often have a big lack of resources available to them. That's all I'm keeping up with.

[@feelstora3]

@@zebnemma I absolutely agree. We can still enjoy hobbies and even buy something we like (for example I love playing video games but I don't want to collect physical copies and I also extremely watch my skin care routine). For me it's not a trend but more I discovered life is much easier if you don't have too many material things. Plus I moved to another country so that helped. I'm also not attached to anything I own aside from maybe my laptop but not because of the laptor itself but because of the things on it (I'm a writer so it has all my ideas/treasures and even keeping a backup it would be horrible for me to lose them). I can only assume that people who are jumping on this trend train won't do this for long and for the wrong reasons. Not being balanced (either way) is not good.

[@zebnemma]

@@feelstora3 Yes and I play video games too, and I create art. Imagine if some idiot looked at my art supply collection and was like "wow you have more then 5 brushes and you have multiple types of paints??? wow such over consumerism." They can talk like that online but no way they would have the balls to shit on someone's hobby IRL. Just idiots with brainrot. Just because their biggest hobby is being chronically online doesn't mean everyone else is...

[@wobblyweeble767]

It is comforting to know that there are other people who want to scream when hearing "soothing" music

[@Hitsugix]

or these super soft voices in psychology videos. seriously, they make me super angry.

[@jackalenterprisesofohio]

I perfer the music from Muzak

[@randot6675]

​@@Hitsugixthis And also all those people who fake having a soft, high pitched "cutesy" voice

[@LibraGaymer]

as someone who doesn’t have a tiktok i love watching your videos to learn what’s the main Hot Debate on the platform. it’s like hearing the gossip about the house down the street

[@guardianofcreativity4860]

9:32 “we so out of touch with reality” WHO’S WE??? I know you ain’t talkin’ about me. The irony of that person’s comment killed me man.

[@Ellocellow]

Fr my thought was “well at least they admit they’re out of touch with reality” because the mark was right there and they still missed.

[@jackyy98]

people have 2k to spend on clothes and they choose Shein???

[@mfitzger99]

I think most people have a problem with the "cosplay" part he brings up. People showing their under/over consuming especially while not being genuine about it is obnoxious. Great video!

[@-0__________________________0-]

Underconsumption is just gentrified poverty.

[@Nobody-s824]

word

[@hasanabiclips2428]

Underconsumption and overproduction are critical concepts in Marxist economic theory, often intertwined due to their roots in capitalist dynamics. Marx's analysis of these phenomena stems from his critique of the capitalist mode of production, which inherently seeks to maximize profit, often at the expense of societal needs and sustainable economic balance. **Underconsumption** refers to a situation where the working class, which constitutes the majority of society, cannot afford to buy back the totality of goods and services they produce. This occurs because capitalists, in their pursuit of profit, suppress wages to maximize surplus value. The result is that workers, who form the largest segment of consumers, lack sufficient purchasing power to consume all the goods produced, leading to a general glut in the market. From a Marxist perspective, this is not just a temporary mismatch but a structural flaw in capitalism, as the system inherently restricts consumption to sustain profits. **Overproduction**, closely related, occurs when the productive capacity of a capitalist economy outstrips the ability of consumers to purchase goods. Since capitalists must continually invest in new technologies and methods to increase productivity and outcompete rivals, they end up producing more than can be sold at a profit. The excess goods cannot be consumed within the limits of capitalist profitability, leading to crises of overproduction where goods sit unsold, businesses cut back or close, and workers are laid off, exacerbating the cycle of underconsumption. Historically, these crises have been pivotal in shaping capitalist development. For example, the Great Depression of the 1930s can be analyzed as a severe crisis of overproduction, where the collapse of consumer demand led to widespread business failures and mass unemployment. Marxists argue that such crises are not anomalies but regular occurrences in capitalist economies, reflecting the inherent contradictions of the system. In a materialist analysis, these contradictions arise from the capitalist relations of production, where the means of production are privately owned, and the primary goal is the accumulation of capital. The drive for profit leads to exploitation, where the value produced by workers exceeds the value of their wages (surplus value), and this surplus is appropriated by capitalists. However, as capitalists extract more value and suppress wages, they undermine the very market needed to sustain their profits, leading to cyclical crises of overproduction and underconsumption. Marxist theory suggests that these crises cannot be resolved within the framework of capitalism because they stem from its fundamental structure. Instead, they argue for the necessity of transitioning to a socialist mode of production, where production is planned according to social needs rather than private profit, and the wealth produced by society is distributed more equitably, thus resolving the contradictions of underconsumption and overproduction.

[@-0__________________________0-]

​@@hasanabiclips2428 I can assure you and chatGPT that in the context of the video my assessment is correct.

[@kombuchas4684]

So being environmentally conscious of what you're buying is gentrified poverty now? This is hella offensive because poor people tends to get marketed overconsumption the most.

[@-0__________________________0-]

@@kombuchas4684 Rewatch the video.

[@lucidtofu]

Mindless underconsumption for the sake of trend following is very alike to the minimalism trend when EVERYONE and their mom was purging their closets and throwing away everything without thinking thoroughly where those clothes go to😅 It's perfectly fine -encouraged, even- to use makeup till it hits pan, not buying things for the sake of collecting the full set, and being frugal, but let's remember our roots: everything's best in moderation. Replace your dang Vaseline😅.

[@666venus]

I am someone who has no problem looking through a dumpster/alleys because people just throw their stuff out instead of making a detour to the thrift store. I live in a nice area, I've gotten a 6ft+ easel, luxury designer purse, 2 RH chairs each selling for over 600$ right now and one of those USB C ipads. Sometimes I'll even sell the stuff on fb, but usually it either goes to my friends and family or I have a use for it. I will make a post sharing the info to other like minded ppl. Everyone is good at reduce + recycle, but not so much reuse. just because you're done with an item doesn't mean it should spend the rest of it's tangible life in a landfill. like, AT LEAST see if any friends or loved ones have an interest/need for something. STOP JUST THROWING THINGS AWAY!!!!

[@666venus]

so many desks, flatware, a lot of sealed food, cameras, 1 macbook, many mirrors, small side tables, books! (any books I don't keep I distribute to different mini community library boxes. At the end, then I'll donate what remains.

[@nerida3347]

I wish I felt confident enough to do this but I'm scared of being judged, I live in a small town (by Dutch standards) so it makes me a bit nervous that people might see me

[@666venus]

@@nerida3347 there's a lot of stigma, but once you find enough stuff to be considered impressive - such as an expensive item, then you lead with that and say "we should be reusing things and this stuff would've ended up in a landfill" done. stigma is stupid. have some gloves too, and mention you use gloves and wash your hands very much when you come back home. seriously, I found a LV purse that is worth over $4k - just thrown out.

[@brandoncorey-gp1lr]

My fianceè brought home a perfectly good 50 inch smart tv the other week... the original owner left it by their trash to be picked up ..some people

[@666venus]

@@brandoncorey-gp1lr one hand, that’s a great find! Other hand, yes - I hope they at least these perfectly fine pieces are kept accessible so it can get another life.

[@UncannyCreative8128]

Both are bad in different aspects, but ultimately overconsumption is worse and doesn't primarily affect us, but the environment

[@logidency]

The idea for underconsumption is there but people are just doing it badly Also love the pfp

[@UncannyCreative8128]

@@logidency lol thanks

[@larissabrglum3856]

Exactly.

[@Lacewise]

I don’t know, underconsumption seems like it would significantly undermine our mental health (because we need enrichment and novelty occasionally), potentially swinging back to overconsumption (or even encouraging it right now as people throw out perfectly serviceable items and engaging in consumption but hiding it from others). Some of them might also be hygiene issues.

[@__-pg7bd]

Both are bad because both are extremes, don’t deny yourself things that will make you happy but don’t keep buying things that you will end up not using and will even completely forget about in the next week

[@LontrinhaOzadaotaria]

6:28 HEY HEY HEY, that's not a "lvl 1 elden ring character", this is "Let me solo her",the beast, the man, the 1%, the goodness incarnated... his name and fashion are questionable, but he is the best fella, more respect please >:(

[@Hitsugix]

word.

[@neo_medieval]

I was scrolling to see if anyone brought this up 😂

[@elizabethtangora4353]

For me, underconsumption has been about trying to correct my bad shopping habits after a stressful job drove me into overconsumption. That means focusing on using up the stuff I already have, assessing what I actually need vs what I tend to hoard, and making fewer shopping trips with a clearer plan in mind.

[@xoluciaxo_3721]

Overconsumption is objectively way worse, underconsumption-core is just very funny to me. Social media has strayed so far away from reality, that reality is now seen as an aesthetic/core?😭

[@larissabrglum3856]

Yeah, I think it's obvious that overconsumption is way worse and a lot of people are getting defensive at the suggestion that we in the developed world should be buying less stuff

[@caelumrain6559]

2:51 the way you made yourself laugh was adorable

[@pithpip8295]

2:16 with no warning ????

[@adaaamsibe9828]

trying to regulate my late night screentime but Edvasian posts a new video

[@cmaven4762]

Hopefully people will get the message - that going to extremes either way is just not practical or sensible.

[@CarimboHanky]

0:34 lets not ignore the fact companies are slowing down our phones to pretty much force us to get a new one. my phone has turned to shit and its only 1+ year old

[@brandoncorey-gp1lr]

My androids never have that problem

[@jackalenterprisesofohio]

*Laughs in Samson Galaxy Tab E from round about 10 years-ish ago*

[@CarimboHanky]

@@jackalenterprisesofohio haha, i still got my old phone, never update it and still works like the day it came out of the box back in 2017 🥲

[@CarimboHanky]

@@brandoncorey-gp1lr im android and im having this issue, so yeah no iphone v android bait here

[@CarmineAbattoir]

Ive been financially unstable for most of my life and im finally finally in a place where i can start throwing away things I've held onto for 15+ years because I know I can buy a replacement if I really have to. I know im lucky to have what I do, but its hard to undersell the feeling of freedom you have being able to let things go and the feeling of security that comes with owning things that work/function reliably bc they arent falling apart. Its ok to have pride in being frugal/efficient/ecofriendly, but shaming others for not preforming hard enough is ridiculous. People deserve to have nice things.

[@tamikens]

I think what bothers me the most about the whole underconsumption/overconsumption trends are the fact that they distract from the actual major contributors to environmental damage and place the blame on the consumer. You know what hurts the environment more than either of these trends? The corporations using slave labor, ecologically harmful products and processes, and millions of dollars lobbying to keep lining their pockets through the environmental degradation their mass production is causing. Should people aim more for mindful consumption through underconsumption? Absolutely. Being mindful of how you consume is not a bad trait. I personally don't get joy from buying things I don't need, I reuse or thrift most things if I can, and am very discerning in how my money is spent when I spend it. *But* I think blaming the person with 10 Stanley's is a misplacement of anger. Does owning a dozen Stanley's miss the point of having a reliable, reusable container? Yes, absolutely. But maybe people wouldn't collect them if the company didn't produce a new collection every season and market them as a trend... Is social media fake and performative at its core? Obviously. But maybe instead of being pedantic about what is or isn't underconsumption or making people feel bad for consuming in an economy that demands people consume because the line must ALWAYS go up we focus that righteous indignation towards the corporations and CEOs and billionaires who allow these issues to continue to exist.

[@dianetheone4059]

Thanks!

[@qwmx]

Underconsumption doesn't harm anyone except for the one individual who needs to conume, overconsumption harms the environment, and I suspect affects the economy by making it more reliant on hyperconsumption which in turn increases competition in gaining profits to the point of strangling the job market.

[@larissabrglum3856]

Yes, they are clearly not the same

[@BoringTroublemaker]

Mindlessly following social media trends based on ✨aesthetics✨ like underconsumption-core (or literally anything-core) is promoting waste by needlessly purging to achieve the ✨aesthetic✨ of “underconsumption” as a trend instead of actually just living it. People would be better off staying off social media and spending more time making mindful decisions about their lives and habits, than being “influenced” or shamed for their lifestyle into making rash or hasty decisions.

[@L83467]

@@BoringTroublemaker what aesthetic of underconsumption? all the videos i see are just normal people living their lives, theres no aesthetic there.

[@lemon2639]

I grew up poor, and most of my extended family is poor. I found that many poor people have very stocked cabinets. It’s because they’re afraid that they might not be able to go to the store next week, so they need to have enough food now. They’re just one unexpected expense from having 0 money, so they can’t count on being able to afford anything. Also, because when something is on sale or clearance, they tend to stock up. The idea that having a full cabinet or fridge is "wealth hoarding" is kind of insane.

[@samuelschonenberger]

Interesting insight! My mother grew up much less priviledged than I did and I thought that her filling up the freezer and pantry with "emergency foods" that were on sale was a bit exessive

[@Dial8Transmition]

Underconsumption? Like is there a level of comsumption I have to engage in for it to be acceptable? What if I just don't care about buying stuff?

[@mzxria]

my issue with this is people taking it extreme. yes i think it’s underconsumption if you go from buying a new phone every year from not doing so, or stopping yourself from buying every single trending item on amazon to just a couple. i come from an immigrant household, where i just replaced my 5 year old iphone 7 with a iphone 13 we got on sale. i have 3 pairs of shoes, and we buy stuff on sale. it’s okay to stock up on stuff that you need and can save money on, underconsumption is the act of improving, not starving (tiktok takes everything to the extreme 😭)

[@kyleesimone]

growing up in a frugal household, it's always so interesting seeing things my family and i did for mere survival turn into a trend lol. i don't mind others displaying their "underconsumption relics" despite my disdain for trends, but at times it feels like content cosplay and borderline dystopian... like we've reached a point where being a sparingly sensible human is "trendy" because of overconsumption and that's MINDBLOWING. even though i HATE trends, "underconsumption core" can ultimately be a net positive; it's better for the environment and the economy, and hopefully, some chronically online individuals will see that overconsumption is abnormal and it's okay to touch grass.

[@L83467]

yeah, like i feel like people are fundamentally misunderstanding underconsumption core. its actually about normalising things. in an age where we are bombarded with influencers encouraging us to buy so much stuff, underconsumption is there to counteract that and represent how real people live

[@akileaf4029]

But like, ultimately underconsumption is not too harmful. If you do it properly (and since there are idiots with any trend, that could be more or less neglected), underconsumption focuses on using things until the end and buying only necessities, ideally in good quality because that is more durable usually or second-hand. I think the worst that could come of it, is people looking a bit more shabby than they used to. Whereas overconsumption is tied to modern-day slavery, child labour, immense amounts of plastics and microplastics, increasing environmental pollution (textil waste, electronic waste, oil, fuel, smock, chemicals, biohazard, …), inflation, supporting the rich/exploiting the poor, etc., and that‘s not overconsumption at its worst, it’s just the side effects of this entire concept no matter how environmentally aware one shops. One can moderate the impact, but it’ll always be there to varying degrees if you buy more than you need. So, I don’t it think there’s a question of which one is better, really. It’s just that the market and anyone who is influential benefits from overconsumption (because that is the core of contemporary capitalism), so they will use any and every means to portray it in a better light.

[@anonymousposter6461]

This is the obvious conclusion to me and I wish this comment was pinned. It's clearly much worse to overconsume. One makes you look poor and stingy. The other poisons everything it touches, even abstract things like economies and cultures. Also, it's ghastly that meeting your needs (and not needlessly contributing to trillions of cubic feet of landfill space) is considered 'under'consumption, and not just consumption.

[@brekaterina]

4:22 had to pause the video and look out the window after that sentence

[@sleepysartorialist]

It's weird to me how being frugal always becomes a "trend". I call it pragmatism. Just...live your life. I have makeup from working at Ulta like a decade ago. I check it for quality and if it looks dodgy or the alcohol cleanses don't seem to help I toss it. And then I wait until I really need something and get a new one but I go out of my way to get something nice that will last. I am glad people are leaning into this but we need to stop trying to put people's lives into boxes. I watched the Minimalism community do this and it resulted in backlash towards people sharing their lives and how they integrate the philosophy.

[@lylalogy1129]

4:01 i- I don’t know what to say 😵‍💫

[@selalewis9189]

This was a great video. You hit the nail on the head about the problem of blaming your neighbor for their 10 Stanley cups and not the billionaires who don’t pay taxes. This is why I think this behavior appeals to people. It’s much easier to pick at a friend or judge a stranger for shopping at Walmart, Target, Zara, or Amazon (regardless of their actual needs or intentions) rather than help join the fight for a union at these companies or fight the fashion industry’s relentless lobbying against regulations and environmental damage. There’s also something so guilt-ridden about this behavior. You bought too much stuff so instead of just using it until you decide whether or not to restock, you post it online for absolution. The same thing with cutting your lifestyle down to bare bones. It’s some form of self-punishment that then seeks for forgiveness online for the sin of…gluttony? (IDK, I’m still new to Christianity and don’t know all the deadly sins.) Or in the other direction you barely have enough to get by, so instead of admitting to yourself and the people you love that your situation is hard and you’re not sure if it’s going to get better, you get online and guilt others for having stuff. If you see yourselves as public citizens with active political lives, you’ll feel less inclined to see yourself as just a consumer.

[@Arycke]

10:53 Pink Lamborghini!!! Momooo hahaha

[@laampards]

2:00 just like me fr

[@eyaph]

I like to have my aneruesm room full of stuff and the rest be simple

[@kittygoesWOOF]

I am so confused and concerned by this comment.

[@Zer0Sympathy]

This is… you are… you’re so correct and I have no words.

[@MachineID-V1]

That dog underwent horrors beyond human comprehension

[@gobrobin]

I didn’t know it was a flex to use products until they are completely empty

[@gothgrrl8711]

You have quickly become my favorite KZbinr. Like the first video I saw I was like yeah it’s done you won.

[@Authorthings]

Stanley cups have backpacks...?? 😮

[@SemekiIzuio]

I always stock pile necessities like TP Shampoo Condition Lotion Detergents etc ON SALE because the following week when I run out I dont have to pay full price and have it readily available to use after the previous was done. This applies for food and is a bang for your buck in a financial standpoint. These are _necessities_ Over consumption are things you dont need 5+ of to survive.

[@Shannon-f8w]

Yeah my mum like many of the boomer generation keeps a full fridge, pantry and freezer because she grew up in a poor family and where the parents would sometimes skip meals so the kids could eat, and lard on bread was a solid lunch. Never shame people for having food security.

[@stasia6103]

i thought i was cheap for reusing plastic water bottles but now i feel way better

[@TwisterTornado]

I buy the nice, glass juice bottles and reuse the bottle for as long as I like. They are sturdy and wash well.

[@callievires2382]

I used to be really poor, had 2 kids on my own, living paycheck to paycheck, and it makes you paranoid. Like what if I get sick and then I won't be able to afford, say, my kids favorite granola bars, or the kind of shampoo that doesn't break them out. Any time I had extra money I would buy things that didn't spoil or lasted for a long time and stock up, I would try to have 3 of everything put back. It becomes a real fear. It drove some people I knew crazy, they would ask if we were planning for the end of the world or something. Nope, just hoping to get thru the next few months JUST IN CASE.

[@xiondFirst]

You don't need to buy but a healthy life lies in the middle. Get what you need and sometimes treat yourself. Maybe once or twice a year.

[@v2cantthinkofahandle]

I don't have that much of an issue with underconsumption core. It feels like commentors are being really negative for no reason or like they're trying to flex without being too obvious about it. So what if people are showing videos of their normal consumption to show they're not wasteful while tagging it underconsumption, or if you live that way and think it's normal to you? I will take underconsumptioncore over overconsumption every time. I'd rather the kids on tiktok see and realize all the shopping hauls and excess of products is NOT normal. If "glamorizing" under (or normal) consumption is what they're doing then so be it, better than glamorizing having kids buy a bunch of skincare with strong active ingredients they don't need.

[@larissabrglum3856]

Yeah, really. The fact that a few TikTokers were cringe about it (as happens with every trend) does not make the point that we should be buying less stuff invalid

[@L83467]

yeah, i feel like people are fundamentally misunderstanding underconsumption core. its actually about normalising things. in an age where we are bombarded with influencers encouraging us to buy so much stuff, underconsumption is there to counteract that and represent how real people live

[@gummyteethmaxxing]

Underconsumption and thrifting “core” is somehow suddenly a problem when it’s a under privileged family having to thrift gifts for the holidays and Birthdays...

[@Lacewise]

Also collecting one or two things (mugs, tumblers, etc) is completely normal. It’s when you become a completionist of everything from clothing to makeup to shoes to Stanley cups to candles to decor to etc that I consider it ‘overconsumption’. It’s normal to collect a couple of things, even outside the West. It’s normal to have a couple of expensive hobbies, even outside the West. It’s once we move past a couple we develop a problem.

[@XxAnime_WafflexX]

I’m also sick of people calling EVERYTHING overconsumption. Someone who wears makeup every single day is gonna own more than one mascara. People care way to much sometimes

[@TwisterTornado]

I don't know. You can still have a very low budget routine. Drug store makeup has really improved in the past 20 yrs.

[@MorganVsTheInternet]

do these people think underconsumption means minimalism?

[@donotperceiveme6198]

shiiiit i have sportsbras i use that were handed down from my sister when I hit highschool... and yea, underconsumption is just not buying unnecessary. if you already have it, use it. chucking it all to use 1 or 2 things is just called minimalism... and I could write a whole essay on how minimalism is rich people flexing

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

I think anything encouraging Americans to buy and use less stuff is a good thing.

[@larissabrglum3856]

Yes, and I think Americans are feeling guilty about their habits

[@usernamehere-0505]

Underconsumption people are way more annoying they just carry that "I'm so different and better than you" energy, because they haven't bought new plates since 2008 and are rocking the same water bottle since 2019 or whatever

[@aruziel2020]

Here's my issues with this trend: It's not a new thing. Someone just found Minimalism and Zero/Low Waste on the curb, gave it a fun new coat of paint and now sells it. It's one of those classy if you're rich, trashy if you're poor things. It's only aesthetic if it is a choice. It puts all of the pressure and guilt around environmentional topics on the individual customer. Yeah, sure it's better to shop locally, reuse, recycle and all. But as long as corporations go on their merry way destroying forests, polluting air and water and so on, what does it matter whether or not I buy a jar of vaseline. You are not the issue.

[@quietvalerie1]

You always have the best perspective on these kinds of things ❤️

[@miasolala8415]

where I live, it's even recommended by the Civil Protection Department that you have supplies at home to provide your family with food and water for at least two weeks and it definitely makes sense. excessive consumption or waste production is awful, but this staged display of having nothing is just ridiculous.

[@sarhabernalumana4206]

"if you are a woman and want an easier life you kinda have to?" Off that made feel bad 😢

[@Widdekuu91]

I overconsume, but in thriftshops and free-shops (where stuff is free or traded.) My cartboardboxes get painted and decorated with foil, so they look neat and pretty. I made my mom a pretty shoe-box out of cartboardboxes, to store her shoes in, it looks very pretty and unless you know, it looks like it is from IKEA.

[@animeloveer97]

Damn they really went full 1984 "you will own nothing and be happy"

[@althearase]

Wall-e warned us

[@marjamesquire8141]

the aspect that I'm taking from underconsumption core is finishing up products and then saving the bottles to take a pic of at the end of the month. then upcycling or recycling. and the point is to use your stuff up before you replace it.

[@--Paws--]

True underconsumption core is the survivalist camper living in a tent with 12 to 20 items, the rest is foraged in the forest.

[@kawaiifangzz]

Social media has completely messed up the way people digest life

[@CandyThePuppy]

"Undercunsomption-core" is literally just me growing up with four siblings.

[@L83467]

exactly! its about normalising the things normal people do. its a reaction to influencers and them encouraging us to buy more. its about saying 'no, buying new clothes every week is not normal, you dont need to feel left out if you dont do it'

[@Elvenpath]

My feet, knees and hips hurt just from thinking about using the same sneakers for 10 years. I used the same ones for 6 years and should have ditched them after year 5.

[@ajlui3]

underconsumption "trend" feels like a dystopian outcome of trying to pretend to be "poor" in which those kinds of people should probably get off the internet and go volunteer for a week at underfunded orgs for unhoused people.

[@MM-nl8ci]

Underconsumption ‚trend’ on tiktok is just about using what you have until it runs out, instead of buying in excess. The name ‚underconsumption’ is just a juxtaposition to the prevalent overconsumption on social media. I dont understand why y’all are so pissy about it. Weird

[@sarahaque1382]

​@@MM-nl8ci yeah except when you weirdos turn it into a competition and no one is underconsumption enough unless you live in a homeless shelter, eat an apple a day and wear the same clothes as you did when you were a new born baby not to mention y'all are just gentrify poverty

[@yowhatsup9909]

@@MM-nl8ci I agree 100%. I have no idea why are there so many comments angry at people reducing the harm to the environment by using goods until they wear out completely??

[@L83467]

i feel like people are fundamentally misunderstanding underconsumption core. its actually about normalising things. in an age where we are bombarded with influencers encouraging us to buy so much stuff, underconsumption is there to counteract that and represent how real people live

[@WalkerFilmsOfficial]

Your channel has been my weekend binge, i appreciate you!

[@Mir_Teiwaz]

I feel like some people are confusing underconsumption with minimalism...if my understanding of underconsumption is right.

[@yachatta5997]

9:16 did not expect to see Nanako's skincare routine 😍