Cover art by Isabella Marsh
Easy to buy, hard to escape: The reality of buy now, pay later
By Dorothy Florence
Addiction is often framed in obvious ways; substances, gambling or behaviors that feel visibly destructive. But some forms are quieter. They look normal. They are even encouraged. Spending is one of them. The rise of “buy now, pay later” services, such as Afterpay and Klarna, has introduced a version of consumerism that feels less like debt and more like accessibility. Instead of paying upfront, purchases are divided into smaller installments, often marketed as an interest fee. A $120 purchase becomes “$30 today,” a shift that does not change the cost, but sure changes how it is perceived. That perception matters. Research has found that consumers are more likely to complete purchases and spend more overall when buy now, pay later options are offered. By reducing what economists call the “pain of paying,” these services lower the barrier between wanting something and buying it. At the same time, the industry has simultaneously expanded rapidly. The number of buy now, pay later loans in the United States increased from 16.8 million in 2019 to 180 million in 2021, according to data cited by Forbes magazine, reflecting how quickly the model has become normalized. For young consumers, the impact is even more significant. Many are managing money independently for the first time, often without stable income or experience with long-term financial commitments. Because buy now, pay later is not framed as traditional debt, it is not treated with the same caution. It feels like flexibility rather than financial obligation. Once someone begins using these services, the structure itself encourages continued use. Payments overlap. New purchases are made before previous ones are fully paid off. Over time, it becomes less about individual decisions and more about maintaining a system of small, ongoing payments. The consequence is delayed, while the instant gratification of spending is immediate. Data suggests that this cycle is difficult to manage. About 41 percent of users report missing at least one payment, and younger consumers are more likely to fall behind. According to The Motley Fool, 32 percent of users ages 18 to 29 have missed a payment, compared to 12 percent of older adults. The difference reflects more than spending habits; it reflects who is most vulnerable to the structure itself. While these services are available to all consumers, their design aligns closely with younger audiences. They are integrated directly into online shopping platforms, appear at checkout and are frequently promoted through social media. At the same time, younger users are more likely to shop online, follow trends and prioritize immediacy. The system meets them where they already are, and the end result is a model that feels accessible in the moment, but becomes increasingly difficult to track over time. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, buy now, pay later borrowing makes up a disproportionate share of unsecured debt for younger users. Other studies have found that a majority of users regret at least one purchase made through these services, often because the cumulative cost was higher than expected. In some cases, the role of these services has expanded beyond discretionary spending. Surveys from LendingTree, an online financial services company, found that a significant portion of Gen Z users have used buy now, pay later for essentials such as groceries, suggesting that the model is beginning to fill financial gaps rather than enable convenience. The issue is not that these services exist, it is how they function over time. Buy now, pay later because it does not feel like a risk. It feels manageable, immediate and normal. But for many young consumers, it introduces debt early, normalizes ongoing payments and makes it difficult to step back once the cycle has begun. Unlike more visible forms of addiction, this one does not stand out. It is built into the checkout page.
Sweets, swank and slavery: A look into the world’s consumerism capital
By Benjamin Mueller
A mystical desert kingdom full of endless riches, availing itself to the world as a premier tourist destination and living option. A hint about this place? It’s also known for its chocolate and its contribution to consumer culture. Dubai is an increasingly well-known state for rich expats looking for a more “conservative” culture. Think Andrew Tate or Adin Ross —conservative male influencers who are not known for their woke opinions. One thing Andrew Tate isn’t known for? His amiable relationships with women. In the United Kingdom, Tate faces charges of rape and trafficking, showing what these conservative values mean to him. Dubai is occasionally lambasted for having similar values to Tate. Models are often invited to the city by wealthy oil moguls, where they are asked to commit unspeakable acts and pander to the men’s fantasies while being abused and degraded. Sexual slavery is also reported to be common in Dubai. One woman, Maria Kovalchuk, was found with many broken bones, including a broken spine, dumped on the side of a Dubai road after being attacked by wealthy men who offered to fly her home to Thailand. Unfortunately, the “conservative values” of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also apply to women. Emirati women live under male guardianship, and men are allowed to have multiple wives, while women must obtain men’s permission to get divorced. Women may also be subjected to “honor killings.” Women can also be killed by stoning for extramarital affairs, but these charges are often overturned. Another outdated practice Dubai participates in? Slavery. According to walkfree.org, 132,000 people live under forms of modern slavery in the UAE. Workers, often from South Asian countries, cannot leave their jobs without facing legal and financial consequences, meaning they are powerless against employers under the kafala system. The kafala system binds migrant workers’ legal status in many Middle Eastern countries to their employers. Also, their passports are often confiscated by employers when they arrive in the kingdom, and they are threatened with the loss of visas if they complain about labor conditions. Some from Thailand have been forced into sex work upon their arrival in Dubai, and the city is a hotbed for sex trafficking. It should be mentioned, however, that the UAE is doing some of the most work worldwide to combat modern slavery. Of course, almost everywhere in the world deals with some of the issues that the UAE faces. Dubai appears as a glimmering beacon of light, full of opportunity for those who choose to seek it. This shining infrastructure is not all it seems. The towering Burj Khalifa, along with many new neighborhoods in Dubai during the 2000s and 2010s, did not have a sewage system connected to the rest of the city. This meant that poop trucks would be forced to drive outside of the city and wait for hours and even days to drop off their waste at sewage plants. Dubai also attempted to construct the “world islands,” a model of the world made of sand in the ocean off Dubai’s coastline. Here, developers planned to have the nations represented on the “world map” build hotels and other cultural attractions. The islands being made entirely of sand dredged up from the seabed, the sand quickly began returning to its home. Only one hotel has been built on the islands, and the rest remain unpopulated. The many tourist attractions and entire “city sprawl” of Dubai are notoriously unwalkable and unfriendly to those without cars. The city is divided by enormous highways, wide roads, and a distinct lack of crosswalks. Of course, one might not want to walk through Dubai and its many attractions anyway, as the lowest average high temperature throughout the year is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The average daily high temperature in Dubai during the summer months is around 107 degrees. Considering the entire city, which sprawls for miles through the desert, is made of concrete and asphalt with few trees, it’s likely the city's temperatures rise higher than this, as seen in places like Arizona, where concrete and asphalt raise temperatures by about 25 degrees. In a place where one can barely walk without being burned alive, there is little to do apart from consuming while staying indoors. As a result, most of Dubai’s attractions revolve around shopping or are other indoor experiences that cost immense amounts of money. The kingdom is built on consumerism, and likely wouldn’t survive without an addiction to gold and luxury. Dubai emphasizes gold and luxury, yet it comes on the back of thousands of poorly treated migrant workers. Influencers flaunt luxury cars that they often rent for the day while selling courses to impressionable young men about how to rapidly get rich. There is almost nothing to do in Dubai without money apart from walking on the hellishly hot streets.
The environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry
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More is the new less
Restocking the consumerism market
By Bella Garbo and Claire Johnson
Imagine you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels and you come across one of those “restocking” videos where someone restocks their fridge, bathroom or sometimes even their car. It’s addicting to watch orange juice being poured into a plastic bottle or cereal into its own container, right? It’s calming and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. But the reality behind these videos speaks to the larger theme of overconsumption amongst influencers. When these restocks come multiple times a week, it’s no longer just "organizing,” it’s buying way more things than anyone actually needs. Overconsumption.org explains overconsumption as “the excessive use of resources and the unrestrained accumulation of goods and services.” According to Pew Research, 95 percent of teens aged 13-17 reported using social media and more than a third reported that they use social media “almost constantly.” As teenagers are spending more and more time on social media, these videos make people think “Do I need that?” This can further add to the already increasingly prominent issue of overconsumption. Junior Soleil Matli is a constant viewer of restock videos and enjoys watching them. “I feel relaxed and also inspired because I want to be like that when I grow up, with my fridge in my house,” Matli said. According to Overconsumption.org, “social media taps into psychological principles like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and social proof.” Social proof is the idea where people are more likely to follow the actions of others. Restock videos are living proof of this psychological tactic, unconsciously used by so many influencers. Matli explained how influencers make the restock videos seem so cool and aesthetic that it made her want to live the same excessive lifestyle. In theory, restock videos make the creator seem super put together and on top of things which can make the viewer want to mimic their lifestyle choices. “There's a lot of unnecessary things that influencers use to make their videos have more views and be watched more,” Matli said. This perfect lifestyle is not reality. And on top of that, it leads to a giant plethora of overconsumption. First it's buying an excess amount of food just to fill up your brand new aesthetically-pleasing containers. Then it’s buying clean containers to store milk in. Then it’s buying individual spice containers for every one of your 200 spices you have stored in your cabinets. The list goes on and on. Restock videos promote overconsumption to the greatest extent. While these videos are technically restocking the necessities, like laundry detergent or toilet paper, sometimes these videos reach a point where the amount becomes unnecessary and wasteful. Instead of continuing to normalize this cycle of excess, it’s worth questioning why “more” has become the standard in the first place. Research by Psychology & Marketing concluded that the idea of “less is more” can be empowering to the consumer, but only if it’s framed as a free-conscience choice rather than a forced one. However, the study also looked into the consumerism habits of lower-income consumers versus higher-income consumers and found that “consumers with lower socioeconomic status report less favorable evaluations of brands that adopt minimalist appeals.” While minimalism is favorable for some, it can signal restriction or a lack of resources for others. So while the concept of making the choice to consume less seems like a clear solution, it can subconsciously alienate lower-income audiences. When these successful influencers promote constant restocking and endless hauls and accumulation, it sends the wrong message. It shows that having more equals being more put together and more accomplished.
Illustration by Rosstin Pouradib
How much do you spend on Starbucks a year?
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Is it really a Need Doh?
Examining the squishy craze
By Adela Tabak
Working at a local toy store since my freshman year of high school has truly shown me how many unnecessary things people will buy just because it is a trending topic online. NeeDohs, in particular, a sensory squishy with different fillings, shapes and textures, have taken the internet by storm, becoming everyone's new hyperfixation due to its satisfying sensation and feeling of relaxation or amusement. From a sales associate's perspective, I have been able to realize how desirable customers are for a certain product. The amount of calls I get each shift, with people of all ages (specifically teens) asking if we have any NeeDohs, or when we will get them in stock, seriously blows my mind. I got so invested in this that I started a tally mark, counting how many times people ask my co-workers and me if we carry NeeDohs, powered by curiosity and a bit of frustration. The result was around 20 times—I’m serious. Fidget toys and stress balls are known to be used by many who experience signs of learning disabilities to stabilize their concentration and learning abilities. Though there are many alternatives to a fidget toy, according to brownhealth.org, “Essentially, fidgets are intended to help individuals do two primary things: regulate and concentrate. Fidgets can provide an easy and accessible way to help self-regulate or concentrate by providing auditory, visual and/or tactile input.” Though this need for fidget toys has become more popular on social media apps such as TikTok, appearing on viewers’ For-You pages through the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos and unboxings has made it become more well-known amongst younger generations. But what does this say about consumerism and buying unnecessary products? Through social media and online shopping websites such as Amazon, viewers have become prone to buying unnecessary things because of how influential certain items may be. According to scotscoop.com, “Although NeeDohs were first launched in 2018, their popularity surged in early 2026 as the toys gained traction on social media.” As a sales associate working for a small toy store business, it may seem like a complaint and that I should be happy people are asking to buy our products, but it’s also interesting to examine consumer trends. This involves understanding how consumers are influenced, whether that is through social media, and how further cooperation will update the way they merchandise products. All things considered, it is safe to assume that the current NeeDoh craze should not be taken too seriously. During highly stressful times, NeeDohs offer the perfect stress-relieving item, with several themes and textures, and also serving as a collectible. However, thinking before just spending money on an item the internet told you to buy, or something your friend keeps raving about, can make a more positive change. It allows others who may need NeeDohs for mental health purposes to gain the tools they need to feel confident in their focus abilities; also, it will allow you to manage your money and how much you spend by buying things that won’t be another item lost in your junk drawer. Instead, find ways to get this form of regulation by indulging in relaxation techniques, hobbies, meditation or borrowing a NeeDoh from either a friend or the wellness center, instead of impulsively spending.
The rise of limited edition drops
By Siena Forster and Sofia Yanni
You refresh the page. Sold out. Again. That limited-edition hoodie you didn’t even know you wanted five minutes ago is suddenly everywhere, and now you feel like you missed something big. From things like dumpling squishies to trendy clothing and even viral items like Jellycats, limited drops have taken over what people buy and talk about. According to Amra & Elma, about 62 percent of consumers are more likely to buy a product if it’s labeled “limited-edition,” underscoring just how powerful these releases have become. Limited-edition drops are a marketing model. Once it's gone, it’s gone forever. This disappearance of the item manipulates the consumer into wanting an item they may not have known that they needed. It can create an addiction because the consumer has a fear of missing out (FOMO). According to the Medium, “seven in 10 experience FOMO regularly, and it pushes them to spend money just to stay included.” With social media promoting these items, consumers may feel that everyone has them. So when the item drops, it can make consumers feel the need to buy it to stay trendy and not miss out. According to the Boston Institute of Analytics, “Scarcity messaging can bump purchase intent by nearly 40 percent.” With limited items, once it's gone, it's harder to find. So the pressure of regretting not buying the item, mixed with the marketing, influences consumers to want to buy more even when they don’t need it. A company that regularly does limited-edition drops is Parke, an apparel brand best known for its sweatshirts. According to Forbes, Parke made over “$16 million in revenue in 2024.” Parke only does drops, and most of their pieces are limited-edition, meaning once they are gone, they are gone for good. These drops normally sell out within five minutes due to the high loyalty of customers and the “need” for these sweatshirts. Parke consistently does these drops on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. This consistency is purposeful and creates loyalty with the customer because they know when the launches are, which creates trust between the brand and the consumer. Parke is seen all over Redwood, and with constant drops, it can lead students to want the newest color or style. This creation of “need” can lead to overconsumerism. Freshman Khloe Thompson explained how Parke’s marketing plays a major role in the popularity of Parke. “[With the limited-edition marketing, it makes the sweatshirts feel] really rare, I feel like I might miss out [if I don’t buy one] and feel left out,” Thompson said. Seeing influencers and creators wearing Parke on social media platforms increases the desire to get a sweatshirt in the drops. “[On social media], there are a lot of pictures of Parke and big creators wearing it, and that makes me want it because it’s popular,” Thompson said. Limited drops also build a strong sense of loyalty between consumers and brands. When a product is released in small quantities or for a short time, it can make buyers feel like they are a part of something exclusive rather than just regular customers. According to the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, consumers tend to value scarce goods more highly and may even develop a stronger loyalty towards brands that create them. For retailers, the payoff is extremely clear. “Scarcity tactics drive faster conversions, higher revenues and repeat use, all at the expense of the consumer,” Ehsaei said. Limited-edition drops don’t just affect what people buy; they also shape how consumers see the brand itself. Over time, brands that use scarcity-based releases begin to build a specific identity: exclusive, desirable and emotionally “special.” One brand that has grown massively through this kind of strategy is Jellycat, a British company known for its soft and creative plush toys. Founded in London in 1999, Jellycat started as a small toy brand but quickly expanded into a global name. Its popularity comes from its unique designs and frequent new releases, which often gain attention online and sell out quickly. According to the Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Jellycat products “usually attract youthful consumers, who buy them consistently and build brand loyalty,” highlighting how repeated engagement strengthens the connection between consumers and the brand. The study also explains that Jellycat’s success is driven by its creative product design, which uses personification and everyday inspiration to make its toys more emotionally appealing. In addition, the brand builds emotional attachment through its “anthropomorphic” designs, which can help consumers experiencing stress or loneliness from “profound emotional bonds” with the products. As a result, Jellycat is not just seen as a toy company, but as a brand with meaning and identity, encouraging customers to return for limited-edition releases and stay connected through social media and ongoing brand engagement. These limited-edition drops can cause addiction and overconsumption. This is seen with the limited, always sold-out dumpling squishies at Five Below. These blind boxes are so limited that when calling Five Below, their voicemail says no dumplings are in stock. The dumpling squishies are blind boxes that have different colored dumpling toys made out of plastic. The most coveted is the glitter dumpling. The dumplings are limited in quantity and sell out almost immediately when restocked. This leads to overconsumption because consumers want certain “special” colors, leading to them buying multiple dumplings. With many going unused and ending up in landfills, these limited-edition toys are causing overconsumption and environmental harm. According to the Yorkshire Post, “The United Nations estimates that global resource consumption has tripled since 1970, with per capita resource use increasing by 70 percent in the last 50 years.” With the rise of social media and new marketing strategies like limited-edition drops, consumerism has risen, and so has the impact on the environment. Social media plays a huge role in this process by rapidly spreading trends and turning products into viral must-haves almost overnight. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify demand through influencers, unboxings and countdowns to new drops, making consumers feel pressure to participate before items sell out. The rise of trends like Parke, Jellycat and the dumplings, and their use of limited -edition drops as marketing, can lead to overconsumption and cause an addiction to impulse shopping due to the scarcity of the items.
Consumerism hurts more green than just cash
By Beatrice Nass
Consumerism has been built into us. Society has built and supported a culture of mass production and consumption. The unhealthy trend of overconsumption leaks into nearly every industry and can be seen through social media trends or even our own daily shopping routines. The rule of supply and demand is that as long as there are sufficient buyers, companies will supply their products. With recent trends, such as the NeeDoh and squishy dumpling crazes or the latest items of clothing going viral on the internet, demand has skyrocketed and required more production. Trending clothing brands such as Edikted may appeal to those looking for stylish clothing on the cheaper side of things, but the reality is that you're not so much purchasing the clothes as you are supporting plastic usage. According to DoneGood Media, “Edikted’s product descriptions frequently mention polyester blends and synthetic fabrics.” With the production of plastic clothing comes many environmental consequences. The creation of these clothing items releases greenhouse gases, the washing of the clothing releases microplastics and the wearing of the clothing can seep microplastics into the human body, impacting human health. The issue with purchasing in-style fast fashion clothing is what happens to the pieces once they’re out of style. The blue scarf that you used to wear every day a month ago now hides in your closet after one influencer trash-talked it. The impulse buys from a promotion by your favorite influencer might now sit at the bottom of a bin marked “donate,” or worse, “trash.” According to 2018 data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, over ten thousand tons of clothing are thrown away each year. Trend-based mass consumerism isn’t something we’re unfamiliar with. Children are exposed to marketing as social media influencers continuously promote new items. Whether they realize it or not, the children then find themselves asking for the newest water bottle, like a Hydro Flask or Stanley, so they can stay on top of the latest trend. The “VSCO Girl” trend was prevalent on social media in 2019, with shopping carts full of scrunchies, puka-shell necklaces and Hydro Flasks. With each trend that comes up, a new desire for the trending products comes with it. These trends don’t tend to last longer than a few years, but the products bought during them don’t just disappear when their popularity dies down. The unhealthiness of the squishy trend is easily seen in influencers’ “dumpling hauls.” Let us not forget the sensory trend from a couple years ago that was also plastics-based: slime! While thousands of hours went into making, playing with or watching YouTube videos of slime, the chemical mixtures didn’t simply vanish despite the downturn in media spotlight today. According to the United Nations, “Plastics generated 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019–that’s 3.4 per cent of the world’s total emissions, a number that is set to grow considerably as the production of plastics is expected to triple by 2060.” NeeDohs, scrunchies, dumplings, slime and even most clothes are produced from plastics. By leaning into the consumer habits that society has normalized, we are normalizing thinking first about a trend and second about the environment. Some countries around the world have begun burning plastics to both get rid of their used plastics and use them as an energy source. Japan separates its plastic trash so that some can be burned as fuel. According to The University of Tokyo, “More than 60 percent of the plastic collected in Japan is burned, and the heat energy generated is two to three times higher than that from burning the same mass of paper waste. Simply burning the plastic, however, creates its own major issues—it cannot then be used as a new carbon source, and the incineration process results in CO2 emissions.” With plastics constantly being outputted into products, consumers may not realize that the shirt they’re buying is 100 percent polyester (AKA plastic), or that the aluminium can they’re drinking out of has a plastic lining inside. It’s important as a consumer to educate oneself on the use and prevalence of plastics so when making the choice about consuming, one can understand the full range of impacts both on themselves and the environment.
Illustration by Natalie Vinogradsky
Compulsive shopping
By Zoe Peters
Overconsumption trends
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