The Dangers of Overconsumption

Written by Abby Toth

The Gen Z Who Fails to Agree

 

“Run, Don’t Walk”: How Restock Videos Are Running Your Pockets Dry

How many times have you scrolled through social media and came across a restock video? Fridge restocks, item restocks, Stanley cup restocks, and more have slowly taken over our social media platforms. Why do these videos gain thousands, if not, millions of views? What’s the appeal?

A fridge restock video uploaded by @summerreignhenning on TikTok.

While these videos may be aesthetically pleasing with their matching colour schemes or the soft taps against each item, they’re setting unrealistic expectations. These expectations make you wonder why you should keep a perfectly good milk carton in your fridge when you can have a clear container in the shape of a slimmer milk carton? Why not spice up your kitchen with aesthetic spice jars? And what about an appealing way to showcase your carton of eggs?

Before making impulse purchases, think about where you’re putting your money. And I mean really think about it. Do you actually need a twenty pack of aesthetic glass spice jars? What about five identical copies of the same hand sanitizer? Or matching accessories for your Stanley cup? Certainly you need a food tray and a chapstick holder for your water bottle, don’t you? Where else are you going to put these things?

No matter what anyone tells you, you don’t need any of these things. None of them are necessities. In fact, it’s all junk with a price tag. Without original food containers, how will you know when something is expired? Do your new containers even fit all of the food contents? If not, do you hide the original package, or throw out the remainder of the product? Each product already comes in a perfectly good container. Perhaps an even better container than the one you bought. After all, does your new container have an expiration date? What about an ingredients list? Didn’t think so.

A Touchland restock video by @modernmthusiast on TikTok.

What about other items like hand sanitizer? Do you really need five identical copies of the same scent? Yes, they might look aesthetic when placed in a drawer beside each other, but will you realistically use all of them? Most likely not. I’ve been using the same Bath and Body Works hand sanitizers for almost three years, and I still have more than enough for all of my sanitary needs.

In the full video the image to the left was taken from, the creator placed different hand sanitizers throughout her home. One in her car, one in her purse, and so on. Is it that difficult to carry one hand sanitizer with you?

Why have we normalized product and package waste? Why do we feel compelled to purchase these items in the first place?

Taglines such as “run, don’t walk” or “you need this product” brainwash us into believing they’re right. There’s a reason why restock videos are kept short and sweet. There’s a reason why you don’t see a ten minute video of someone restocking their fridge or reorganizing their junk drawer while providing basic commentary. There’s a reason why the videos you do see are less than a minute long, accompanied by calming music or no music at all. These videos are intended to make you feel like you need what they’re showcasing. You need your house to look aesthetic. You need to hurry to your nearest Homegoods or Walmart and get your hands on these products before they’re gone.

After all, if these influencers can have aesthetic houses, why can’t you? You deserve a visually appealing home too, don’t you?

Influencers will preach about the products they show in their videos with the intent of taking your money. Influencers don’t have their viewer’s convenience in mind by putting the link to their used products in their bios. Instead, they’re trying to brainwash you into clicking on that link. These influencers make money off of you clicking on their links, or worse, actually purchasing the product.

Why wouldn’t you purchase something from one of these creators? The “Buy Now!” button is there for a reason, isn’t it?

This type of content feeds off of our desires to have a calming space in our homes. You might think that a new package for your otherwise boring products could be a way to motivate you into cooking more often. Maybe they can act as motivation for you to keep your house clean. However, these items will not transform your home. You can motivate yourself into keeping your house clean without the use of additional products or decorations.

An example of a spice restock by @makeitwithmicah on TikTok.

Who said you needed to run? In my opinion, running is overrated. The first few times, your body screams at you for putting it through such an intense activity. Overtime, your body adjusts to it and running for exercise becomes the norm. In this case, impulse purchases may have the same effect. At first, you may feel ridiculous for purchasing something you don’t need. You may wish you saved your money on something impactful. However, your brain may adjust to impulse purchases the same way your body does to running. They’re commonly cheap and visually appealing. While your brain might convince you you’re proud of your purchase, your declining bank account will say otherwise.

Instead, I advise you to walk. Take your time considering if what you want to purchase is something you need. The product isn’t going anywhere. It’s not going to disappear off the internet. If you decide you still want it, it’s always going to be one Google search away. By putting space between your first encounter with the item, you’ll give your brain time to consider what you’re about to purchase.

And so, I leave you with one piece of advice. It’s okay to walk. It’s okay to pace yourself slower than the others around you. You don’t have to run just because someone told you to. You’ll end up thanking yourself in the long run, and trust me, your bank account will thank you too.