Hyper-Consumption

Hyper-Consumption refers to the excessive purchasing and consumption of goods and services, often beyond what is necessary for basic needs. It is driven by consumer culture, mass marketing, and the pursuit of status or identity through material possessions. In sociology, hyper-consumption is analyzed as a feature of modern capitalist societies, where the economy thrives on continuous consumer spending. This phenomenon is linked to environmental degradation, debt accumulation, and the perpetuation of social inequalities, as access to consumption often reflects economic disparities. Hyper-consumption also shapes cultural values, prioritizing materialism over sustainability or community well-being. Sociologists critique hyper-consumption for its role in fostering individualism, alienation, and the commodification of social life, while exploring pathways to more sustainable consumption patterns.