Consumerism

Abd Saddic said consumerism and product placement is becoming increasingly more prominent and is problematic as younger generations on social media are susceptible to being influenced by advertisements.

“The more that technology advances, the younger the kids are that have it,” he said. “They’re clearly vulnerable to seeing these things and if they get that in their mindset at a young age it’s very hard to change as they grow up.”

Further, DuBose said consumerism plays a major role in aesthetic-centric productivity as many influencers recommend expensive school supplies to their audience. She said while owning basic school supplies is important for school, purchasing over-priced items is not essential for success. 

“You have to buy your pens, your pencils, your erasers and your books,” she said. “You don’t have to buy the $100 highlighter.”