The pervasive media environment wrought by the digital age has birthed numerous social media trends, each reflecting the changing values and lifestyles of users in online communities. One such trend that has captured the imagination of many is the concept of “underconsumption core.” This is characterized by a minimalist approach and a mindful attitude towards materialism. Advocates of the underconsumption core mindset suggest living with less and finding joy in simplicity. This could mean going to great lengths to squeeze the very last drop of toothpaste or mascara out of your tube before restocking, or wearing your sneakers until the soles have effectively worn away into nothingness.
For some, this mindset can help to stave off unnecessary spending habits, avoid incurring credit card debt or generally reduce anxiety. For others, underconsumption core is an unfortunate fact of life, wrought by an inability to access the money needed to stock up on supplies in bulk. Either way, let’s take a deep dive into the origins, principles and impact of this trend, and see if we can offer some insight into why it has resonated with so many individuals.
The History of Underconsumption Core
The roots of underconsumption core can be traced back to several influential movements that emphasize simplicity and mindfulness. Minimalism is a popular term that encourages individuals to declutter their lives and focus on what truly matters. Similarly, you may recall the zero-waste movement, which also picked up steam on outlets such as TikTok a few years back. The movement aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability, by reusing things like pasta water, coffee grounds and any other disposable items you may be able to squeeze extra life out of. Much like minimalism, the zero-waste movement has influenced the development of the underconsumption core trend.
These movements have gained traction in recent years as people sought to counteract the consumerist culture that controls modern society. This push toward mindless consumerism, combined with the growing wage disparity within the United States, means that more people than ever before are leaning on things like fast fashion and retail therapy to quell their anxiety. While shopping can be quite fun and enjoyable, it’s generally not advisable to rely on a constant stream of purchases to remain connected to the outside world. Doing so can eventually lead to significant financial difficulty, a tendency toward hoarding or steep environmental impact. The underconsumption core aesthetic curbs these consumerist behaviors, and establishes a mindful connection to your belongings, effectively providing a “quality over quantity” approach.
Key Principles of Minimalism and Underconsumption
At its core, underconsumption revolves around a few fundamental principles. The method encourages individuals to be intentional with their money and their purchases. It shines a light to consider the environmental and social impact of consumption habits, and tasks buyers with choosing high-quality, sustainable products and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Embracing simplicity is the root of underconsumption core, starting with decluttering your living space, adopting a minimalist aesthetic and prioritizing the value of experiences over material possessions. The overall goal is to create a more fulfilling and stress-free lifestyle.
If you’re intrigued by this prospect, but feel apprehensive about the concept of trashing all of your hard-earned possessions and living life like a Buddhist monk, don’t feel like you need to overthink it. Underconsumption core isn’t about owning as little as humanly possible, it’s simply about connecting to a “less is more” mindset, and relinquishing materials that don’t improve your day-to-day life in any way. If even this feels like too much too fast, feel free to ease into the lifestyle as slowly as you need, by stopping before you buy something new and asking yourself if you really need another item cluttering up your home.
How Does This Impact Social Media?
It’s not hard to see why underconsumption core has become such an appealing aesthetic for young people on the internet. Obviously, many youths have become disillusioned with the shaky ethics of fast fashion, the pervasive presence of advertising and the wealth disparity wrought by a worsening economy. Even in today’s era of viral trends disappearing just as quickly as they arrive, underconsumption seems to have struck a long lasting chord with many people. Influencers and content creators have embraced the trend by sharing aesthetic content, showcasing a commitment to minimalism and purchasing eco-friendly products whenever possible.
Unfortunately, underconsumption isn’t a choice for everyone. Some users have joked that they have been engaged with this practice their entire lives, simply due to their lack of financial freedom. If you’re not making enough money and struggling to get by, underconsumption is not just an aesthetic, it’s a way of life. To that end, some lower income social media users have taken offense to the commodification of their lifestyle, and have lamented that those with greater access have adopted underconsumption just to be trendy. If you have concerns over these critiques, you can always do your part to support those less fortunate than yourself by donating your belongings to shelters, non-profits and locals in need. You can also volunteer your time, money and food to support your neighbors – especially if you’ve just cut out time-consuming hobbies like shopping and redecorating.
Why is Underconsumption Core So Popular?
It’s not hard to see why underconsumption core took off on social media. In a world where consumerism is so influential, this mindset offers another perspective. It encourages individuals to question the relentless pursuit of material wealth and to be satisfied with a simpler life. If you feel that the clutter and chaos of the modern world has begun to take a toll on your mental well-being, you may find that some shade of the underconsumption lifestyle if helpful to you. Under the right circumstances, this approach can help to save money, inhibit personal growth and provide greater control over your financial freedom. The best part is, there is essentially no barrier for entry, allowing you to fully commit to this lifestyle, or simply take up a few core principles from the sidelines.
Unlike other aesthetics and trends, underconsumption core doesn’t require an expensive buy-in. It doesn’t call for localization to any specific place, or adherence to any specific guidelines. It’s just a good old fashioned way to reduce your reliance on unnecessary spending, allowing you a chance to break free from the tedium of modern consumerism, and live authentically. It may not be appealing to everyone, but many online circles have recognized this trend as a massive breath of fresh air.