How do you feel about the rise of "underconsumption core" as a trend? What is your definition of under consumption? Is this a trend you'd like to start in REAL life? Also what percent is your phone 🔋on? I'm on 69% but it's 12:23 a.m. 😭 I''M TIRRRREEEEDDDD!
Everything doesn't need to be a "core". This whole tiktok aesthetic/core trend just screams chronically online behavior. Seems like no one wants to be original and people just want to emulate what others do even if it means sinking in quicksand. This trend will die out soon or it will become an unhealthy trend where it glamorises being poor and being in debt like how the body positivity movement went into unhealthy fat acceptance/HAES movement. People need to get a grip to be honest and stop bringing new fads and new trends that make zero sense or add value to society at large. People need to go offline and touch some grass.
i don’t understand why everything has to be a trend. i’m so so so sick of the “tiktokification”of everything. people need to get offline and go outside. it’s so immature to me
@briy-gg8oc no I think what they mean is. Low consumption for these people seem to be a choice. In poverty it's a requirement. So it seems like aestheticysing poverty
Underconsumption is NOT poverty. I am not poor, but don’t choose to have my house full of stuff that doesn’t serve me. I have more money for what I really want and need, and my house is serene,easier to clean and always looks clean. I’m not stressed, and am not a slave to wasting my time and money to endless pointless purchases. Why can’t we minimalists show our side? We’ve looked at these idiotic “hauls” for years, leading viewers feeling like failures, and even jealous at times. My life is sane, and I’m not always chasing more purchases.
and the fact that people modify their behaviors JUST to be trendy and keep up w the joneses is genuinely scary and makes me feel like we’re living in a simulation
If the pandemic didn't teach you about how fickle and mindless people can be, nothing will. Most people are followers and have no core values to themselves other than what others do.
Never thought I'd see the day where everyday living a normal life would be a trend. Like you said: recycling containers and rinsing out jars has been how some of us have lived since we could remember.
But it makes sense given how much consumption is pushed everywhere in the world. Ads are everywhere and some of the top earning jobs involve using yourself and life as a living billboard for products (i.e. Influencers). A lot of the younger generation have known nothing BUT ads and buying products for every single interest, activity, hobby, etc... That if it takes a "trend" to help them, I'm all for it.
I’m sorry but this take seems a little ignorant. There are ppl in poverty who can still over consume and spend beyond their means. There’s credit cards & loans they can get and many poor ppl have done just that. So it’s not that “they can’t”. Also most ppl have a PROBLEM not buying what is advertised- that’s just human psychology. Most people aren’t as strong minded as you. Be glad if you are. If this helps them then I’m all for it. And the difference between minimalism and underconsumption is minimalism IS a style. The underconsumption isn’t. In fact from all the videos of underconsumption I’ve seen I haven’t been sold one thing. Instead of critiquing this “trend” we should be glad it’s helping the younger generation. I honestly don’t even see it as a “trend”. It’s just a way of living smarter. If you already got there sooner than everybody good for you.
i deleted tiktok 2 years ago and im so glad because watching these trends come and go from an outside perspective makes them seem so cringey and childish and vain and im so much happier being off in my own world not being influenced by strangers
It just makes people devolve and become more and more childish. I’m especially tired of the infantilization of women. “I’m just a girl,” “pink everything,” “girl math,” “I love being a girl.” Shut up. 😂
If you genuinely want to consume less, then the LAST thing you should do is to throw out all the stuff you already bought. You SHOULD have all the shoes from your over-consuming in your closet. You may never have to pay for shoes for the rest of your life.
That was something that pissed me off a few years ago when minimalism first became trendy. Suddenly people re-decorated their homes with "minimalist" furniture and art, instead of ... keeping what they had and *not* buying more things. It was so mindboggling!
I had plenty of shoes that did not work out for me and I never wear them, they literally hurt me (bought before discovering I fit into Wide shoes much better). There was no reason to keep them. I bought them because I was dumb and they looked nice and trendy and I did not care about comfort as I should have been.
Or just sell them lol, giving to a loved one, or consider donating them to a reputable nonprofit if you know you have something you know you’ll never use/wear
@@StaciaBielka You can always sell them on apps like depop and vinted, take them to a consignment store, give them away etc... If they're still in good shape, there's no reason to just throw them away, especially for a tiktok trend /gen
Yes I always ask myself do I need it? If I dont need it do I want it bc I actually like it or do I like it bc it has been advertised to me over and over!
@@MeredithDancerI use the wishlist feature for this, I save items I like and then go through my saved items and decide if I like them. I don’t often have money so the saving it helps me keep track of items I actually want/need.
Predictions for underconsumption sales pitches: - courses - repair kits - mid range "unbranded" type skincare - soap savers, reusable fruit bags, similar "zero waste" era products - digital products - "nose to tail" type bougie snacks and processed food
Spot on. This is already happening. Love the creators that have content about zero waste who are talking about not running out and purchasing all the eco friendly zero waste products but using what you already have first
Yeah, I used to watch a lot of zero waste videos and the amount of buying they made me feel compelled to shop was crazy. Tiffins, specific water bottles, keep cups, bamboo straws, reusable cotton rounds, etc. I didn't need any of it.
The whole mason jar trend alone is so baffling to me when everyone wanted to acheive the "rustic farmhouse core" trend. I can achieve that same "aesthetic" by taking one of the many empty glass pasta sauce jars in my cabinet that i save to put used oil and grease into after cooking, clean off the label with rubbing alcohol, and use it as a vase for flowers. It's so baffling to me seeing people go out and buy mason jars just for that aesthetic alone
Lol, we do have some Mason jar decor that we "consumed". But we are cheap and soaked the labels off of the Classico jars. Its nice cause when I need a new grease jar, i can just steal a "cup" and replace the cup during our next spaghetti meal. But now that we are no longer Penny pinching I do want regular cups.
And to think a few years ago gen Z tore millennials over the coals for their stupid minimalist mason jar trend. Not to make this about generations, but it spooks me how nothing about this trend is genuine or lasting. Wasn't when we millennials did it, isn't when gen z does it, won't be when gen A discovers poorcore.
Especially because I want those jars for canning and half the people selling them on Facebook Marketplace have ruined them with paint and are selling them as decor... like why are you buying brand new glass jars just to destroy them?
I use mason jars for storing things in, but I also love drinking out of them, especially when it comes to my daily water intake or any juice and iced coffee that I buy from the grocery store. You’d be surprised how addicting drinking from mason jars can actually be once you get into the habit of doing it. Only this one is far more fun and also eco-friendly! I will drink straight from the jar on its own, or I will use one of those mason jar topper lids with the hole and a reusable straw. And if you need a little extra grip or protection, they sell mason jar slip covers on Amazon for a decent price. Mason jars are great either way
Right! Because they conveniently leave out the parts of living like this that are TRULY hard and horrific or they don’t even realize this aspects because they aren’t forced to be in this situation…like something as simple as having a storage unit you can go to that holds items you need, or even having a gym membership to use the showers…or even just having the psychological aspect of KNOWING they could actually end this at any moment, ppl underestimate that mental aspect and the weight it holds if you truly are homeless and know you can’t end it whenever you feel like it
I always laughed at “core”. My house isn’t cottage, vintage, modern, minimalist - it’s just decorated with stuff I like and furniture that’s comfortable. Probably the least trendy place you’ll ever visit. But if you do visit you will be made welcome and fed!
My personal opinion is that all my stuff goes perfectly together because it all has one thing common: I like all of it. If I like all of it, then all of it matches the “liked by me aesthetic.” And I love interior design, so it’s not that I don’t care about that stuff, I really do. I even considered becoming and interior designer. Not a single stick of my furniture matches, and ya know, it’s a vibe. People ask me to help decorate their place. And I’m like, so what ya like?
I grew up extremely privileged, but my family has always lived like an "underconsumption core". Using what you have and reusing objects is saving for future emergencies, retirement and necessary large purchases like vehicles. Debt ain't worth it!!!
Same! My family is quite well off now (wasn't always like it) and still none of us ever had a new car, we learned how to mend clothes etc. My parents were very poor growing up, so maybe that is why.
I wish my parents could say the same. I see my mother and stepdad struggling with overconsumption, and despite being well off it gives me anxiety that one day it will come back and bite. I tend to be the under consumer in my household, form an attachment to old things therefore don’t replace unless they’re falling into pieces. Been told I’m too paranoid.
people are just too impressionable now. critical thinking went out the door a looong time ago. suddenly all my thrift shops have NOTHING cute anymore because of the rise of fast fashion + the fact that the rich think it’s “cool” to go thrifting now. like… some of us don’t really have the option… it’s not just a “trend” for us
I don't believe there has ever been a time where in-depth critical thinking specifically has been nurtured on a large scale in history, not in any true way I don't think. I can think of some example attempts, but I'd be hard pressed to say they were supremely effective. It seems only natural that it seems absent, an individual is smart people are stupid - sort of thing or something.
It feels weird to me because I grew up working class. This is called being frugal, making do with what you have. My family is now middle class, but personally, I prefer to not be owned by objects.
Felt it in my soul when you said, "this is my real life, this ain't no core!" 😅 But I'll admit, it is kinda nice to see other people's ugly, mismatched items and storage solutions. There's too many videos showing off every item under the sun in a perfect matching set. It's a nice reminder that the if stuff we already have works fine, there's no need to replace it for the aesthetic. Even a lot of "sustainability" influencers show off this minimalist lifestyle full of nice-looking, eco-friendly materials, and some of those items are not cheap! Just a reminder that you don't have to break the bank or buy that new reusable product before you USE WHAT YOU HAVE. The BEST thing you can do for the planet and your wallet is to literally just avoid buying shit you don't need, especially with money you don't have ! 💚
man I use ups boxes and recyclable bags to store stuff and plastic bins when I need something bigger...I can't deal with the new stuff, I started doing this a few years back and have been living my life doing just fine. actually saved a ton when I stopped buying stuff. I never was in the into treands I was just hoarding cause I felt I was still in survival mode for lon, I forgot to look around and enjoy the things I have right in my face. so I really started doing this and it feels good.
THIS. I see a lot of perfectly decorated houses and apartments, almost always people in their 20s or maybe 30s, humblebragging about how much they don't buy and whatnot. Cohesive decor. Matching storage solutions. Aesthetic everything. But oh I cook. Oh I don't get my nails done. Oh I adopt pets instead of buying expensive breeds. Look how relatable I am! What a good person I am! Gimme a fkn break 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
This trend is so bittersweet for me. I grew up in poverty and while I have to pinch my pennies in my adult life, I’m happy using what I have until it can’t be used anymore. But to see it glamorized and become a “core” makes me feel weird in a way I can’t describe…like, I was picked on for living like this and now it’s cool???
Same. I remember when it first became socially acceptable to shop at Aldi and the dollar stores. (Think like...08ish and beyond) Like....WUT...I was picked on relentlessly for my parents shopping there growing up!! Now suddenly it's cool cuz the economy stinks and being more budget-conscious is trendy?! F U, man. F U.
I think underconsumption IS normal consumption. When I go to Walmart to buy toiletries, I'm buying 1 can of shaving cream, 1 tube of toothpaste, 1 bottle of SoftSoap, 1 bottle of lotion etc. I don't want a pantry full of options or clutter, because it will take too long to go through it all. Underconsumption is the catch phrase for normal consumption. People are having fun making fetch happen!
That’s what I’m saying! I feel like it’s less normal than the internet makes it even for the average woman to have like a ton of beauty products, in every scent, and like most women I know, including myself, but one face moisturizer, body wash, perfume, makeup product, once, and use it until it’s gone and then buy another, and that’s NORMAL. A lot more normal than the overconsumption of those things you see all over the internet.
@@richardjamesclemo6235yeah, I’m with you. I’m not looking to drive to the shops every four seconds to buy a new toothpaste or whatever. None of this stuff runs out at the same time. Buying one shampoo when it’s on special and I know I’m gonna need more very soon is insane to me. I don’t shop up for the year though. I wait on specials on then by for a few months. Also helps when I know terrible inflation is gonna drive the price of this shit up by next week.
I am 63 years old, and I am still using my grandmother's baking sheets. Two of my pressure canners are 61 years old. We have towels that are 18 years old and still look great and are very absorbent. I can so have lots of mason jars, and yes, we use them for drinking glasses, food storage, vases, etc. I'm too old to keep up with trends. We have shoes, clothing, and more that are between 15 and 30 years old. Things were made extremely better years ago... better quality, better materials, made to last. We also live like this due to being on a fixed income. Can we afford to get new things? Of course we can. But by not replacing things that do not need replacing, growing a garden, reusing things, mending and fixing items, we are able to live in a beautiful forest mountain cabin, completely off grid, complete with a pond and streams on just under 100 acres. Trends make people lose their identity, lose themselves and spend money they usually do not have to feel important. If people think that following trends will make them more popular, they really need to look inside and do some serious soul searching. Sorry, my psychology degree is speaking. Now, I'm going to refill my coffee mug (it's over 10 years old) and go sit by my pond (garden chair about 15 years old), and enjoy the wildlife. Be an individual. It will probably make you happier and cost less
Yeah must be nice. It is never that simple. I live well below my means and work 2 jobs, 7 days a week. I rent. Cant afford to buy a house these days unless I magically come up with 50k for a down payment. Owning land and a home these days is a massive privilege. I have a stem degree too. Was a scientist for years. I did "the things" people harp at you to do in order to be "successful". It is never black and white. Living above your means doesn't mean youll automatically go broke and living below your means doesn't guarantee you anything either.
41-years-old at the time of writing this, and I 100% agree. I myself am a mason jar user, and I have clothes over twenty years old that STILL fit me and are in decent condition. I might buy a new shirt or pair of pants or shoes once in a blue moon, but I usually replace things only when I absolutely need to. Currently living in an apartment that is close to thirty years old, and the appliances that came furnished with it are still going strong as well. There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t miss the old days. Where days were simpler, people were more humble and “quality” meant that stuff would not just be affordable but would also actually last. Not just in terms of what was aired on radio and television
I never had TT, but it is the same with Instagram for me. It is scary how easily you can market/influence me to buy stuff...granted, I have bipolar disorder which makes this worse, but without Instagram I don't need nearly as much money.
I was browsing YT yesterday and a video popped up about decluttering BBW. She had this huge collection of candles! Why buy all this stuff just because it’s on sale?
@@alice_rabbit8345 Omg yes! My MIL does that. (Not with BBW candles but whatever not the point) "Look how much I saved!" Sigh. No, Mom. Look how much you *spent.*
What they are doing is an absolute complete mockery and insult those who have nothing. TikTok is solely for people who can’t think and decide for themselves.
I started overconsuming back in 2021 by purchasing too much online crap. What honestly got me to wake up was watching a bunch of episodes of "Hoarders" and recent events that have been happening in my life. Starting last month, I've begun to declutter by giving away and donating many items. I still have my closet left - I'm scared. Buying some new items here and there is fine, but overdoing it and being overwhelmed with stuff that's just collecting dust isn't worth it. I don't care about clout or being cool since I'm a total nerd, I just care about being OK with myself.
Someone asked me about purchasing a new car now that I have a better paying job.. I said “that money is for future self- 401k baby!!” And they looked at me like I was Gordon Ramsay 😂😂😂
You are such a breath of fresh air in this trend-obsessed world. At first I was into the "underconsumption core" videos as irony reacting to overconsumption because they looked like people living normal.lives like me, which I enjoy seeing... but it kind of went sideways when influencers got their hands on it. And on the flipside people shaming each other for having anything nice or in multiples. Thanks for calling this all out as a reality check! 😊
My biggest ick when minimalism and decluttering becomes a trend is that a big focus is always on throwing stuff away into the dump to them buy your "one thing". But that's just more overcomsumption. If people just used up those things they already have until the things break and have no more give they wouldn't have these issues and being contributors to pollution. They'll do the big declutter thing every couple of years. But then they have to buy things again because even a capsule wardrobe isn't going to cover all parts of your life and people by nature get bored! I believe in just getting pieces and things that are both functional and make you happy, and then keeping them for as long as they fit and can serve you. Otherwise it's a waste.
I think this is why to a lot of people “Marie Kando-ing” is such a big thing. If it makes you happy & you like it, keep it! If it doesn’t, it needs a repurpose or a new home. It’s about downsizing in the sense you’re finding what works for you & getting rid of what doesn’t.
It’s weird to see my lifestyle being a new trend. I never understood why people thought they needed everything under the sun. People need serious help.
i grew up with social media. i can't believe i started thinking about getting new clothes and imagining how they would look like on my socials... i now deleted tiktok and instagram, i just can't anymore
I actually loved seeing this trend because it taught me that i aim for minimalism and normal consumption. I dont need 50 pairs of shoes but I also want to be able to decorate my home and replace things that are broken or no longer serving me ❤😊
I can admit I'm not a minimalist, but I'm a hoarder and actually work against that. For myself, I asked people to stop giving me things, because I feel obligated to keep them - and this includes soaps/lotions (my mom is the hardest to convince of this, since gifts are her love language, and she's so sweet). But, I don't feel bad if I go to bath and body works, and buy in multiples to get the sale price, I just don't buy anything else until they are used up. I totally agree with you, you have to enjoy your home and life, no point stressing in either direction to impress random internet people- you can't make everyone happy, but you can make yourself and the people at home happy :)
@@jocelynsmyth6604 Random thought, but would something food-related be a good middle ground where your mom gets to give you a gift but you won't have it cluttering up your house months later?
@EmeraldAshesAudio it's a good thought, we all share food and pick up things for each other now and again :) because we all tend to over-do out of love, we all watch ourselves to keep it in check ;) and we enjoy experiences together.
@@jocelynsmyth6604 I wonder if she could switch to gifting you experiences instead. A day at a museum and lunch? Something inexpensive near you? A 3 day trip to a nearby city or state? Tickets to a concert? Pottery class? Botanical gardens? The possibilities are endless 😊❤
I'm of the instagram generation and deleted that shit 8 years ago. Never had tiktok but I still like to know about the craziness which is why I come to youtube to watch creators like you break down the insanity! Always love your takes
I used to be a little bit of a hoarder. I had a lot of hobby supplies, clothes, notebooks. When I started moving around I realized it was too much and slowly have decreased the amount of stuff I had. It took years and 3 moves to get to a point I have a reasonable amount of things. I like the idea of people living a more affordable and reasonable life by taking care of what they have, but it’s best to do it responsibly by donating, selling and giving away things you don’t need.
These videos are amazing Symone. It's obvious you put a lot of work into the production and research of these things. I also like your delivery. I think it's virtuous to live within or even below you means (if possible). My boyfriend has a fancy tech job making 6 figures and he chooses to take the bus, he is't cheap but frugal and it's a great quality.
Thank you so much, I try my best! I appreciate you for your love and support!❤️ And that's the best way to do it, more for investments too! No need to waste money!
I feel like loads of people who actually have normal lives saw this trend and got really excited - this is our time to shine. I actually love watching this trend, firstly cus I'm super nosey and wanna see other people's raggedy old towels and worn out favourite bags, but also because it's relatable and just makes you feel normal. A lot of aesthetic content makes you feel dissatisfied with your life, because very few people have all their stuff cute and colour co-ordinated. Which is how you get sold shit you don't need. But this is just kind of feel-good.
I really do think it’s funny that there’s underconsumption core now when from my whole life, I’ve been saving grocery bags for the bathroom trash or using takeout containers to hold leftovers. It’s just so crazy.
🗣🗣"I like people living a normal life" 🗣🗣 This! To me it's not normal to put your life/house/kids/personal life information on the internet. Like you said, We gotta learn to think for ourselves and if we need help, we ask! There are resources out there for everything and everyone, truly. Great video ❤❤❤ I love all your videos ❤
I’m so glad I got off of social media back in 2018. TH-cam is where I hear about all the shenanigans happening on the platforms, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to not jump back in. Seems like whatever some folks can do to get the views and compensation that may come with it, they’re doing it. No matter what it is, they’re ON IT.
i m from india and our goverment banned tiktok in 2021 itself in my country i m now glad that they took this decision on seeing the drama that is is ccreating in the west
This kinda stuff is so frustrating to me because while stuff like this is on the app you have control of the FYP so if you (the user) skip the videos & search for stuff you are interested in that becomes your FYP-so now I’m learning about other cultures & perspectives & music & history I was otherwise unaware of/unexposed to even when it’s my own country etc.! It CAN be used as a means of finding friends & community but it is something you have to work at to make it work for you & not the other way around-which is what the trends do. It’s complicated!
Your content was well structured and clear. I liked how you differenciated the types of people that adhered to this trend and called out people who only do it for the trend (because the moment it changes again, so they will). The main thing is we need to be consistent and find our own way to live, not switch the whole personality for every new trend
This is just sad… so glad I deleted Tik Tok and IG. Don’t want to be marketed to, don’t want to be influenced. I’m tired of toxic media. Normalize normal & saving the planet.
People not using all their products has existed LONG before social media and is often associated with Stage 1 Hoarding. It's often less about "oopsie, I'm so privileged I forgot I have a product and I bought another" and more about an emotional and/or mental "high" that comes from shopping, similar to emotional eaters. Instead of addressing the underlying issues, they cope through an external stimuli (such as shopping) and can feel "protected" by this (such as "if I need extra or run out in the future I'll already have it") even though the negative effects are more harmful (clutter which can lead to higher depression/anxiety, increased expenses/debt which can lead to stress/anxiety/depression, etc...).
Your sense of humor about these ridiculous trends and people doing the opposite of what they were JUST doing to follow a trend is absolutely hilarious and spot on. Love this video.
Keep making these awesome videos! They are amazing and I watch every single one. I need this realness in my life. I’ve absolutely made some of these overconsumption mistakes and I’m working on taking back my finances.
I love your take on this. When I first saw "underconsumption core", I interpreted it as a parody of overconsumption (I didn't even know we'd added -core" to that but whatever) and then I kept seeing it as if normal life is the new aesthetic. I think the intentions are good but are getting lost the more people hop on the bandwagon. maybe that's just the internet though 🤷♀ I can't keep up
I absolutely agree with what you said, especially as it relates to trends being set up to inevitably market to you, but I do appreciate seeing this trend go viral. For better or for worse, something going viral can normalize it. Is it the norm already for a lot of us? Yes. Is it annoying to see others gain from pretending to be our normal? Yes. But for some out there, normalizing what is essentially a normal level of consumption tells them that it's okay to do that, and that is huge. If you've grown up hearing you need XY and Z to be a complete or successful person, hearing and seeing that you have permission to not have that is everything.
I can’t watch an underconsumption video now on TikTok without cynically noticing the swimming pool in the background. Perhaps that’s how they can afford the pool?! 😂😂
The part where you mentioned keeping leftovers in the butter tubs. One time my dad put leftover vanilla pudding in one and my mom accidentally used it to fry an egg thinking it was margarine 😂 she was not happy!
I have a friend busting out of her 2 bedroom 3 floor home and I’m just like- the consumerism. I could live in her house and buy almost nothing for a year or two. Food, clothes, cleaning supplies- everything is there in multiples. I went ‘conscience consumerism’ years ago where I don’t buy something new till I’ve used or worn through what I already own. Took me 8 months to eat through food stores, 1 year for cleaning supplies, 2 years for most grooming supplies. Saved so much money and paid off debt.
I had a shopoholic problem for a bit when I finally had a decently paying job. But now I'm trying to buy only things I need. But sometimes I need to throw away expired things (medication, cosmetics and such) and buy the fresh things. I'm not living zero waste or something. Just conscious about my spending. And if I buy something I will use it (like coffee syrups, chocolate or matcha).
Yeah...but having all that put back allowed you to do that... And, speaking from experience, if there's a sudden job loss, illness, death, etc, you'll be glad you have food, shampoo, extra towels, etc to fall back on so you can concentrate your efforts elsewhere. But there's a line. Having backups is not the same as hoarding.
I stopped caring about trends when I left high school. I am surprised adults care about trends. So bizarre. Especially if you’re following a trend that is online-like as an adult, I just buy what I need or want. That is part of what is great about being an adult! No one at anyplace I have ever worked at ever cared about trends. Never saw one Stanley cup or anything. I learn about trends from channels like this. Simone-your commentary is always on point!
I found your channel . I got a laugh from it. I have never been on TikTok. Apparently I've been doing this trend for 20 years lol. We save bags from the grocery store. We don't have matching glasses. Great Video btw.
Today I learned I have been living an underconsumption lifestyle just by not wasting things, not buying things because I hate shopping,and being a regular person. Great video!
Yes, agree 💯 And this is how I grew up & still live. We use rags, not paper towels, grocery bags as trash bags, empty food containers as Tupperware, sew holes in clothing, pick up free curb items to repurpose, etc.
judging by the caption she wrote "your favorite influencer doing 'underconsumption core'" i'm positive it was satire. though it is not too far off from what we've been genuinely seeing tbh
Thank you for this! I completely agree! I've seen this happen over and over in the past 10 years. For example: the 0 waste and mininializim went from environmentalists and underconsumption to an "aesthetic " now they are turning poverty and middle class into a trend of "underconsuption " . This is a sickness of lack of critical thinking, everyone is braindead social media zombies.
I was for the videos labeled “deinfluencing you” because the content was genuinely pushing for people to reuse items around them and to be more conscious of what they have before going out to buy more. But this underconsumption core is as you said, another trend for people to fit into. Some people mean well but there will be some who who’ll just fake it.
I did the minimalist trend about 7 years ago and haven’t been able to change ever since 😅 Almost everything I own is beige/tan/black, I have 5 pairs of jeans, etc. It actually helps someone like me, who can never decide what to wear but also don’t want to go outside their comfort zone. I am also guilty of paying a lot for the few pieces of clothing I have, but again, it’s been 7 years and counting of wearing those same things on repeat
if you want to under consume but you have to move a lot or are in college, keep your boxes and bags so you can put your stuff in to move. Keep as much as you can that doesn't need to be replaced (meaning if its not gonna mold or get nasty, keep it). Know the size of your apartment/dorm before buying anything. It may sound logical and it is, but this is some advice I have as someone who has moved a majority of my life and has moved a bit in my adult life.
Yes! Plastic bags, extra towels, extra sheets, etc can all be used as bubble wrap. Cheaper and since you need to pack it up anyway, takes up less space rather than packing it separately.
You hit the nail on the head -trends are about MARKETING. If there's money in it, there's a trend. Resistance comes by seeing it for what it is and not participating. Seeking out the authentic from the 'fakes' is easy for those of us that already are!
Just to add that underconsumption does not mean you don’t take care of what you have while staying within a healthy budget. If you can’t fix or maintain your stuff because you don’t have the money yet, that’s understandable; but if you are choosing not to, that’s a whole separate issue.
Lol not the lady with the snake oil hopping on the underconsumption trend 🤣 ok girl, ready for this Elmer's glue and olive oil mix to solve my problems!
This video is so good! Like, I’ve been living and shopping intentionally, thrifting, taking inventory of what we have. Consciously getting rid of things and bring things in our home. AND NOW, it’s a trend. Say what?!? Make it make sense!
Same! For years as an educator, I thifted all of my clothing. I started 13 years ago. I wanted to look professional and nice in my classroom yet didn't want to spend a fortune. I found multiple amazing items while spending $30 . I always looked nice but didn't break my bank. Now I can't find too many good items thrifting because everyone is in on the trend of thrifting. I do a decluttering 2x year and make sure to reevaluate everything. Make it make sense! My own issue is books and I love to collect them too much. 😂
I thought underconsumption is about being normal and intentional irl. What is wrong with ppl these days? 🤷♀️. Edit: Also the privilege part....so true 👍.
i've seen a few videos of people getting into "underconsumption core" by SHOVELING their excess belongings into the trash. i'm just livid. because i KNOW when this trend "ends" their going to go buy it ALLLLL back. wasteful.
So glad I found your channel! You voice the opinions I've had for years! But many people my age choose to be ignorant and blame it on their age. Truly disappointing.
When you're young and dont have as much life experience, theres far more fear you'll be socially ostracized for not participating in trends. Funny enough that "high school mentality" of not being "cool enough" hit me harder in my early 20s than in actual high school because social media had me convinced i was living life wrong. Now im 26, mostly off social media and don't care at all lol
Welcome to the no social media gang , I wish I would've done it earlier in my 20s. But 31 and no social media is a BLESSING. Social media will have you thinking you're not succeeding in real life. You're doing great, and you've always been " cool enough".
i think the “trend” helps to bring awareness to being a concious consumer. for some of us, social media has fed on our insecurities, envy, and comparison to get us to achieve a certain lifestyle by overconsuming and having all the latest items. it woke me up to being more concious of my spending habits and how it’s not financially sustainable. and it’s saved me a lot of money by not buying the things i’ve once been influenced to buy. so the trend was a good callout to how i was trying to achieve an unrealistic lifestyle and i’m very thankful for it!
You took the words right out my my heart and mouth. I really worry about how easily influenced people are. Wondering if there’s anyone out there that can think for themselves or at least see past the sales pitch like you said. People need to wake up.
@@radhiadeedou8286 and they will buy a new cup, that’s my point. Can ppl stop wanting to buy the “viral things”? And yes you can under consume by getting rid of what you already own. That’s my own opinion.
I grew up very close to my grandma and her two sisters. My grandma was the youngest of 7 children in Appalachia, and was born near the end of The Great Depression. While she was too young to really remember it, the 2 older sisters, my great-aunts, definitely did. Growing up in that level of poverty scared them for life, and even when I was a kid in the 90's you could not throw anything away, or not finish your food at their house without getting a serious talking to. They would use everything they ever bought until it was absolutely unusable, and had usually been duct-taped/ re-sewn/ glued back together/ otherwise repaired several times, even though they weren't poor anymore and could afford to replace things, esp. small $5 or less items. When I first heard of the "under-consumption core" trend I was just like.... you mean what people who live in/ grew up in crippling poverty have been doing forever? My aunt Louise always did say, if you give something a few decades it will eventually come back in style.
I’ve never had a Tik Tok and I barely look at IG. I’m in the military and have to move every couple of years and I hate moving with a lot of stuff. So I try to keep the necessities and a few items I know I’m going to get a lot of uses out of. I only own 5 pairs of shoes outside of my army boots.
Your whole discussion about people needing to be told sheds light on how many people form values, ethics, and political views in their life. People tend to live in comfort zone bubbles that allow them to not critically think.
1000% agree🙌like I like “underconsumption core” as a reminder for people to second guess buying that new *aesthetic* thing, but it’s really annoying to see the ultra wealthy influencers mocking the people who’s real life is more viral than them rn. These trends switch up faster than the wind blows and it’s ruining everything, like going to Target is ratchet now, but idk maybe we’ll get back to real life eventually but I don’t see that happening until the 2030s 😮💨😔
I deleted TikTok a couple of weeks ago. I got so sick of the constant advertisement. it's insessant. And I live in Eastern Europe, so most of the underconsumption is just life here. Its normal. Loved th video. ;)
This reminded me of minimalism. I remember when that trend came around I bought so much stuff just to have the minimalistic style. It was such a waste of money. Now I’m doing something different. This past year I bought A LOT of stuff and I put myself in severe credit card debt. I decided to only buy the essentials. This has been a recent decision I made, but you gotta start somewhere right. I did not know about underconsumption until I watched this video. Unlike minimalism, I don’t see a need to buy things to fit in to this. So I have a name for my new lifestyle while I work hard to pay off my debts. I got rid of a bunch of clothes/shoes that I did not wear and I’m gonna stick with what I got. I have a therapist and we’ve talked about my overconsumption and we will work on it in my sessions. I was buying things to help feel less lonely and less depressed. This is a bad habit. I also just found out about this channel and I’m loving it.
I've been doing ThriftCore 15 years now. I didn't come up with the idea on my own. I got it from a tattered copy of the Tightwad Gazette I borrowed from my mom and I still haven't given back yet.
“They want to be like you because being like you is the popular in thing to do” Truth! Just be yourself, the you away from the camera. You are enough!! I just discovered you with this video, and I Love you, Social Symone. Thanks for keeping it real.
People lost the plot with minimalism. It went from "only buying or owning things that you believe truly provide your life value" to becoming a weird and lifeless design aesthetic where you drink coffee out of mouthwash bottles and eat off the floor of your apartment with no furniture.
How do you feel about the rise of "underconsumption core" as a trend? What is your definition of under consumption? Is this a trend you'd like to start in REAL life? Also what percent is your phone 🔋on? I'm on 69% but it's 12:23 a.m. 😭 I''M TIRRRREEEEDDDD!
Everything doesn't need to be a "core". This whole tiktok aesthetic/core trend just screams chronically online behavior. Seems like no one wants to be original and people just want to emulate what others do even if it means sinking in quicksand. This trend will die out soon or it will become an unhealthy trend where it glamorises being poor and being in debt like how the body positivity movement went into unhealthy fat acceptance/HAES movement. People need to get a grip to be honest and stop bringing new fads and new trends that make zero sense or add value to society at large. People need to go offline and touch some grass.
i don’t understand why everything has to be a trend. i’m so so so sick of the “tiktokification”of everything. people need to get offline and go outside. it’s so immature to me
@@ditsytrixie I agree 10000% !!! I'm sick if it too!
@@imaa.n I feel your pain!😭 idk who "keeps coming up" with these "personalities" that real people live to sell to people who don't have one BUT STOP!
😂 %63
Can’t’ wait for the ✨critical thinking core ✨ trend to arrive so some people can use some
I'm holding out for factchecking core. I just want to see the internet burn :)
@@juliajs1752you should watch Mr. Robot, because I feel like that’s this generations1984 or Brave New World
😂😂
They'll just read one book and regurgitate the one chapter they memorized.
Honestly 😂!
Tiktok makes poverty an aesthetic, and they're arguing in the comments whether someone is faking poverty well enough. What a world
Those comments annoy me so much like I haven't seen any people post like "I'm the poorest person to exist"
Lack of consumption isn’t poverty?
@briy-gg8oc no I think what they mean is. Low consumption for these people seem to be a choice. In poverty it's a requirement. So it seems like aestheticysing poverty
Underconsumption is NOT poverty. I am not poor, but don’t choose to have my house full of stuff that doesn’t serve me. I have more money for what I really want and need, and my house is serene,easier to clean and always looks clean. I’m not stressed, and am not a slave to wasting my time and money to endless pointless purchases. Why can’t we minimalists show our side? We’ve looked at these idiotic “hauls” for years, leading viewers feeling like failures, and even jealous at times. My life is sane, and I’m not always chasing more purchases.
Tiktok makes everything an Aesthetic.
and the fact that people modify their behaviors JUST to be trendy and keep up w the joneses is genuinely scary and makes me feel like we’re living in a simulation
I CAN'T STAND IT!
It's actually nothing new. We've been doing that for centuries.
@@MsAngelique Doesn’t make it right 😭☠️
If the pandemic didn't teach you about how fickle and mindless people can be, nothing will. Most people are followers and have no core values to themselves other than what others do.
You're not. Just read the Bible
Never thought I'd see the day where everyday living a normal life would be a trend. Like you said: recycling containers and rinsing out jars has been how some of us have lived since we could remember.
Literally. Ppl are so dumb. Glad I don't know them.
I would even say how most of us lived...I don't know anyone who doesn't do that, even wealthier people.
Facts
It took me 55 years to get matching plates and bowls 😂😂😂
They’re appropriating our culture 😂
A world where "not buying unnecessary stuff" is a "trend" is really sad.
what im sayin 😭
But it makes sense given how much consumption is pushed everywhere in the world. Ads are everywhere and some of the top earning jobs involve using yourself and life as a living billboard for products (i.e. Influencers). A lot of the younger generation have known nothing BUT ads and buying products for every single interest, activity, hobby, etc... That if it takes a "trend" to help them, I'm all for it.
I’m sorry but this take seems a little ignorant. There are ppl in poverty who can still over consume and spend beyond their means. There’s credit cards & loans they can get and many poor ppl have done just that. So it’s not that “they can’t”. Also most ppl have a PROBLEM not buying what is advertised- that’s just human psychology. Most people aren’t as strong minded as you. Be glad if you are. If this helps them then I’m all for it. And the difference between minimalism and underconsumption is minimalism IS a style. The underconsumption isn’t. In fact from all the videos of underconsumption I’ve seen I haven’t been sold one thing. Instead of critiquing this “trend” we should be glad it’s helping the younger generation. I honestly don’t even see it as a “trend”. It’s just a way of living smarter. If you already got there sooner than everybody good for you.
THIS!!!
@@officiallydenisevery true
i deleted tiktok 2 years ago and im so glad because watching these trends come and go from an outside perspective makes them seem so cringey and childish and vain and im so much happier being off in my own world not being influenced by strangers
I heard alot of people have done that..I don't blame them and I good for you ❤️ it get scary over there! 😬
preach!
Same. I deleted tik tok over a year ago and don't miss it. It really messed with my attention span but I think I've got things back on track nowadays.
It just makes people devolve and become more and more childish. I’m especially tired of the infantilization of women. “I’m just a girl,” “pink everything,” “girl math,” “I love being a girl.” Shut up. 😂
They are cringey! Good for you for deleting TT!❤
If you genuinely want to consume less, then the LAST thing you should do is to throw out all the stuff you already bought. You SHOULD have all the shoes from your over-consuming in your closet. You may never have to pay for shoes for the rest of your life.
That was something that pissed me off a few years ago when minimalism first became trendy. Suddenly people re-decorated their homes with "minimalist" furniture and art, instead of ... keeping what they had and *not* buying more things. It was so mindboggling!
I had plenty of shoes that did not work out for me and I never wear them, they literally hurt me (bought before discovering I fit into Wide shoes much better). There was no reason to keep them. I bought them because I was dumb and they looked nice and trendy and I did not care about comfort as I should have been.
Or just sell them lol, giving to a loved one, or consider donating them to a reputable nonprofit if you know you have something you know you’ll never use/wear
@@StaciaBielka You can always sell them on apps like depop and vinted, take them to a consignment store, give them away etc... If they're still in good shape, there's no reason to just throw them away, especially for a tiktok trend /gen
Mine are no longer supportive for my job. Still in good condition. I gave them away. Someone who wants them can have them.
Underconsumption means to me: thinking before I spend and often deciding I don’t need anything.
Yes I always ask myself do I need it? If I dont need it do I want it bc I actually like it or do I like it bc it has been advertised to me over and over!
I let stuff hang out in the cart, and that often means I don't buy it.
@@MeredithDancerI use the wishlist feature for this, I save items I like and then go through my saved items and decide if I like them. I don’t often have money so the saving it helps me keep track of items I actually want/need.
Predictions for underconsumption sales pitches:
- courses
- repair kits
- mid range "unbranded" type skincare
- soap savers, reusable fruit bags, similar "zero waste" era products
- digital products
- "nose to tail" type bougie snacks and processed food
Spot on. This is already happening. Love the creators that have content about zero waste who are talking about not running out and purchasing all the eco friendly zero waste products but using what you already have first
Yeah, I used to watch a lot of zero waste videos and the amount of buying they made me feel compelled to shop was crazy. Tiffins, specific water bottles, keep cups, bamboo straws, reusable cotton rounds, etc. I didn't need any of it.
😂 Valid prediction.
The whole mason jar trend alone is so baffling to me when everyone wanted to acheive the "rustic farmhouse core" trend. I can achieve that same "aesthetic" by taking one of the many empty glass pasta sauce jars in my cabinet that i save to put used oil and grease into after cooking, clean off the label with rubbing alcohol, and use it as a vase for flowers. It's so baffling to me seeing people go out and buy mason jars just for that aesthetic alone
Lol, we do have some Mason jar decor that we "consumed". But we are cheap and soaked the labels off of the Classico jars. Its nice cause when I need a new grease jar, i can just steal a "cup" and replace the cup during our next spaghetti meal. But now that we are no longer Penny pinching I do want regular cups.
And to think a few years ago gen Z tore millennials over the coals for their stupid minimalist mason jar trend. Not to make this about generations, but it spooks me how nothing about this trend is genuine or lasting. Wasn't when we millennials did it, isn't when gen z does it, won't be when gen A discovers poorcore.
We drink from our old peanut butter jars. They’re cute and hold 16 oz! 😂
Especially because I want those jars for canning and half the people selling them on Facebook Marketplace have ruined them with paint and are selling them as decor... like why are you buying brand new glass jars just to destroy them?
I use mason jars for storing things in, but I also love drinking out of them, especially when it comes to my daily water intake or any juice and iced coffee that I buy from the grocery store. You’d be surprised how addicting drinking from mason jars can actually be once you get into the habit of doing it. Only this one is far more fun and also eco-friendly! I will drink straight from the jar on its own, or I will use one of those mason jar topper lids with the hole and a reusable straw. And if you need a little extra grip or protection, they sell mason jar slip covers on Amazon for a decent price. Mason jars are great either way
This is like the "Living in my car" Trend. Back then, that was "homeless" now it's "cool". People actually live this way and have no choice!
And the fact they think it's something ✨️ Cute & Quikry ✨️ is mad annoying
Yeah seeing that was beyond messed up 😢
Nothing is safe from gentrification 😂 now van life, tiny homes, are all a trend lol
"My nighttime routine living in my car" while parked in their driveway.
Right! Because they conveniently leave out the parts of living like this that are TRULY hard and horrific or they don’t even realize this aspects because they aren’t forced to be in this situation…like something as simple as having a storage unit you can go to that holds items you need, or even having a gym membership to use the showers…or even just having the psychological aspect of KNOWING they could actually end this at any moment, ppl underestimate that mental aspect and the weight it holds if you truly are homeless and know you can’t end it whenever you feel like it
I always laughed at “core”. My house isn’t cottage, vintage, modern, minimalist - it’s just decorated with stuff I like and furniture that’s comfortable. Probably the least trendy place you’ll ever visit. But if you do visit you will be made welcome and fed!
My personal opinion is that all my stuff goes perfectly together because it all has one thing common: I like all of it.
If I like all of it, then all of it matches the “liked by me aesthetic.”
And I love interior design, so it’s not that I don’t care about that stuff, I really do. I even considered becoming and interior designer.
Not a single stick of my furniture matches, and ya know, it’s a vibe. People ask me to help decorate their place. And I’m like, so what ya like?
Sounds wonderful. Real.
I grew up extremely privileged, but my family has always lived like an "underconsumption core". Using what you have and reusing objects is saving for future emergencies, retirement and necessary large purchases like vehicles. Debt ain't worth it!!!
That’s just normal ngl it’s not really underconsumption core
Same! My family is quite well off now (wasn't always like it) and still none of us ever had a new car, we learned how to mend clothes etc. My parents were very poor growing up, so maybe that is why.
Literally same
I wish my parents could say the same. I see my mother and stepdad struggling with overconsumption, and despite being well off it gives me anxiety that one day it will come back and bite. I tend to be the under consumer in my household, form an attachment to old things therefore don’t replace unless they’re falling into pieces. Been told I’m too paranoid.
people are just too impressionable now. critical thinking went out the door a looong time ago. suddenly all my thrift shops have NOTHING cute anymore because of the rise of fast fashion + the fact that the rich think it’s “cool” to go thrifting now. like… some of us don’t really have the option… it’s not just a “trend” for us
I can understand where your're coming from, but the thrift store sometimes are charging more than some retail 😲
@@SocialSymone But isn’t that because rich ppl are now shopping there ? bc i noticed that only started happening recently
and i don’t mean that rich people shouldn’t go thrifting at all but please leave some for the rest of us 😂
I don't believe there has ever been a time where in-depth critical thinking specifically has been nurtured on a large scale in history, not in any true way I don't think. I can think of some example attempts, but I'd be hard pressed to say they were supremely effective. It seems only natural that it seems absent, an individual is smart people are stupid - sort of thing or something.
@@Psilolcybinit's not just rich people it's resellers. Then a lot of them (not all of them) will shame people who actually need it.
It feels weird to me because I grew up working class. This is called being frugal, making do with what you have. My family is now middle class, but personally, I prefer to not be owned by objects.
Glad that your family was able to achieve a better financial status. (That’s unfortunately not celebrated enough)
@@SD-hs2pk Thank you! I hope to build upon the foundation and keep my future descendants comfortably in the middle class.
It's also something many 'old money' people do. It's how you keep your wealth. It's the sensible thing to do, at least to an extent.
@@Anna133199 exactly yes it’s beneficial to us all!
Working class is part of the middle class. Just FYI.
Felt it in my soul when you said, "this is my real life, this ain't no core!" 😅 But I'll admit, it is kinda nice to see other people's ugly, mismatched items and storage solutions. There's too many videos showing off every item under the sun in a perfect matching set. It's a nice reminder that the if stuff we already have works fine, there's no need to replace it for the aesthetic. Even a lot of "sustainability" influencers show off this minimalist lifestyle full of nice-looking, eco-friendly materials, and some of those items are not cheap! Just a reminder that you don't have to break the bank or buy that new reusable product before you USE WHAT YOU HAVE. The BEST thing you can do for the planet and your wallet is to literally just avoid buying shit you don't need, especially with money you don't have ! 💚
You said it better ! Felt this
man I use ups boxes and recyclable bags to store stuff and plastic bins when I need something bigger...I can't deal with the new stuff, I started doing this a few years back and have been living my life doing just fine. actually saved a ton when I stopped buying stuff.
I never was in the into treands I was just hoarding cause I felt I was still in survival mode for lon, I forgot to look around and enjoy the things I have right in my face. so I really started doing this and it feels good.
THIS.
I see a lot of perfectly decorated houses and apartments, almost always people in their 20s or maybe 30s, humblebragging about how much they don't buy and whatnot. Cohesive decor. Matching storage solutions. Aesthetic everything. But oh I cook. Oh I don't get my nails done. Oh I adopt pets instead of buying expensive breeds. Look how relatable I am! What a good person I am!
Gimme a fkn break 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Honestly Tik Tok trends should not be your new personality. But saving money should always be a goal! ❤
This trend is so bittersweet for me. I grew up in poverty and while I have to pinch my pennies in my adult life, I’m happy using what I have until it can’t be used anymore. But to see it glamorized and become a “core” makes me feel weird in a way I can’t describe…like, I was picked on for living like this and now it’s cool???
Same. I remember when it first became socially acceptable to shop at Aldi and the dollar stores. (Think like...08ish and beyond) Like....WUT...I was picked on relentlessly for my parents shopping there growing up!! Now suddenly it's cool cuz the economy stinks and being more budget-conscious is trendy?! F U, man. F U.
I think underconsumption IS normal consumption. When I go to Walmart to buy toiletries, I'm buying 1 can of shaving cream, 1 tube of toothpaste, 1 bottle of SoftSoap, 1 bottle of lotion etc. I don't want a pantry full of options or clutter, because it will take too long to go through it all. Underconsumption is the catch phrase for normal consumption. People are having fun making fetch happen!
I buy a years worth of toiletries and cleaning products once a year, saves fannying about.
That’s what I’m saying! I feel like it’s less normal than the internet makes it even for the average woman to have like a ton of beauty products, in every scent, and like most women I know, including myself, but one face moisturizer, body wash, perfume, makeup product, once, and use it until it’s gone and then buy another, and that’s NORMAL. A lot more normal than the overconsumption of those things you see all over the internet.
Me staring at my bag full of plastic bags 😂
@@Heeta.They can pry my plastic bag full of plastic bags from my cold, dead hands.
@@richardjamesclemo6235yeah, I’m with you. I’m not looking to drive to the shops every four seconds to buy a new toothpaste or whatever. None of this stuff runs out at the same time.
Buying one shampoo when it’s on special and I know I’m gonna need more very soon is insane to me.
I don’t shop up for the year though. I wait on specials on then by for a few months. Also helps when I know terrible inflation is gonna drive the price of this shit up by next week.
I am 63 years old, and I am still using my grandmother's baking sheets. Two of my pressure canners are 61 years old. We have towels that are 18 years old and still look great and are very absorbent. I can so have lots of mason jars, and yes, we use them for drinking glasses, food storage, vases, etc. I'm too old to keep up with trends. We have shoes, clothing, and more that are between 15 and 30 years old. Things were made extremely better years ago... better quality, better materials, made to last. We also live like this due to being on a fixed income. Can we afford to get new things? Of course we can. But by not replacing things that do not need replacing, growing a garden, reusing things, mending and fixing items, we are able to live in a beautiful forest mountain cabin, completely off grid, complete with a pond and streams on just under 100 acres. Trends make people lose their identity, lose themselves and spend money they usually do not have to feel important. If people think that following trends will make them more popular, they really need to look inside and do some serious soul searching. Sorry, my psychology degree is speaking. Now, I'm going to refill my coffee mug (it's over 10 years old) and go sit by my pond (garden chair about 15 years old), and enjoy the wildlife. Be an individual. It will probably make you happier and cost less
Yeah must be nice. It is never that simple. I live well below my means and work 2 jobs, 7 days a week. I rent. Cant afford to buy a house these days unless I magically come up with 50k for a down payment. Owning land and a home these days is a massive privilege. I have a stem degree too. Was a scientist for years. I did "the things" people harp at you to do in order to be "successful". It is never black and white. Living above your means doesn't mean youll automatically go broke and living below your means doesn't guarantee you anything either.
@@Pancakes4dindinWell said.
41-years-old at the time of writing this, and I 100% agree. I myself am a mason jar user, and I have clothes over twenty years old that STILL fit me and are in decent condition. I might buy a new shirt or pair of pants or shoes once in a blue moon, but I usually replace things only when I absolutely need to. Currently living in an apartment that is close to thirty years old, and the appliances that came furnished with it are still going strong as well. There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t miss the old days. Where days were simpler, people were more humble and “quality” meant that stuff would not just be affordable but would also actually last. Not just in terms of what was aired on radio and television
43 years old and with smart choices have been able to accomplish a lot. And still working on accomplishing more! It’s possible.
So having the same 2 sets of bedsheets for years on rotation is considered trendy now? 😅 Ok cool
OH YEAH YOU GET A TROPHY FOR THAT! 😂
Wait, people buy more than two sets of sheets at a time?
Girl I just use one, when I want to wash them I start in the morning to make sure they’re dry by the time I go to bed. 😂
@@Wishfull171glad to see someone else who does the same thing as me 😂 gotta schedule that sheet washing
@@graphitebeans I have 4 sets. Look at me, living like a fricken millionaire!
Since limiting my TikTok usage, I don’t buy as much and happy about that.
I'm seeing alot people saying they are doing something similar. It is crazy but understandable! And I'm happy you are doing what is best for you! ❤️
I never had TT, but it is the same with Instagram for me. It is scary how easily you can market/influence me to buy stuff...granted, I have bipolar disorder which makes this worse, but without Instagram I don't need nearly as much money.
Yes
I think it started with the TH-cam gurus. Remember the haul videos. Overbuying bath and body works candles and buying IKEA units just for makeup.
I was browsing YT yesterday and a video popped up about decluttering BBW. She had this huge collection of candles! Why buy all this stuff just because it’s on sale?
@@alice_rabbit8345 shopping can be like overeating, where you do it to soothe emotions. I would be most of the haul vloggers suffer from this.
@@alice_rabbit8345
Omg yes! My MIL does that. (Not with BBW candles but whatever not the point) "Look how much I saved!" Sigh. No, Mom. Look how much you *spent.*
What they are doing is an absolute complete mockery and insult those who have nothing. TikTok is solely for people who can’t think and decide for themselves.
I started overconsuming back in 2021 by purchasing too much online crap. What honestly got me to wake up was watching a bunch of episodes of "Hoarders" and recent events that have been happening in my life. Starting last month, I've begun to declutter by giving away and donating many items. I still have my closet left - I'm scared. Buying some new items here and there is fine, but overdoing it and being overwhelmed with stuff that's just collecting dust isn't worth it. I don't care about clout or being cool since I'm a total nerd, I just care about being OK with myself.
Same!
Congratulations, that’s really amazing. Many people never come out of that fugue state of purchasing.
the same, I really been doing the affordable stuff and ppl use to call me cheap all the time.
Someone asked me about purchasing a new car now that I have a better paying job.. I said “that money is for future self- 401k baby!!” And they looked at me like I was Gordon Ramsay 😂😂😂
people love the idea of things. the idea/appearance of being rich, poor, a punk, or any other "subculture"
You are such a breath of fresh air in this trend-obsessed world. At first I was into the "underconsumption core" videos as irony reacting to overconsumption because they looked like people living normal.lives like me, which I enjoy seeing... but it kind of went sideways when influencers got their hands on it. And on the flipside people shaming each other for having anything nice or in multiples. Thanks for calling this all out as a reality check! 😊
This is like when big companies started packaging products in in brown paper bags to give it a “farm to table organic green” look 😅
Ugh. Yeah. Like most of the rest of the so-called "eco-friendly" stuff, the only thing green about it is lining Their pockets.
My biggest ick when minimalism and decluttering becomes a trend is that a big focus is always on throwing stuff away into the dump to them buy your "one thing".
But that's just more overcomsumption. If people just used up those things they already have until the things break and have no more give they wouldn't have these issues and being contributors to pollution.
They'll do the big declutter thing every couple of years. But then they have to buy things again because even a capsule wardrobe isn't going to cover all parts of your life and people by nature get bored!
I believe in just getting pieces and things that are both functional and make you happy, and then keeping them for as long as they fit and can serve you. Otherwise it's a waste.
Preach! I still have stuff that fits me from highschool! I’m 36 now!!!
I think this is why to a lot of people “Marie Kando-ing” is such a big thing. If it makes you happy & you like it, keep it! If it doesn’t, it needs a repurpose or a new home. It’s about downsizing in the sense you’re finding what works for you & getting rid of what doesn’t.
It’s weird to see my lifestyle being a new trend. I never understood why people thought they needed everything under the sun. People need serious help.
i grew up with social media. i can't believe i started thinking about getting new clothes and imagining how they would look like on my socials... i now deleted tiktok and instagram, i just can't anymore
I relate to this!
I actually loved seeing this trend because it taught me that i aim for minimalism and normal consumption. I dont need 50 pairs of shoes but I also want to be able to decorate my home and replace things that are broken or no longer serving me ❤😊
I can admit I'm not a minimalist, but I'm a hoarder and actually work against that. For myself, I asked people to stop giving me things, because I feel obligated to keep them - and this includes soaps/lotions (my mom is the hardest to convince of this, since gifts are her love language, and she's so sweet). But, I don't feel bad if I go to bath and body works, and buy in multiples to get the sale price, I just don't buy anything else until they are used up. I totally agree with you, you have to enjoy your home and life, no point stressing in either direction to impress random internet people- you can't make everyone happy, but you can make yourself and the people at home happy :)
@@jocelynsmyth6604 I agree! You comment is so on point 😄
@@jocelynsmyth6604 Random thought, but would something food-related be a good middle ground where your mom gets to give you a gift but you won't have it cluttering up your house months later?
@EmeraldAshesAudio it's a good thought, we all share food and pick up things for each other now and again :) because we all tend to over-do out of love, we all watch ourselves to keep it in check ;) and we enjoy experiences together.
@@jocelynsmyth6604
I wonder if she could switch to gifting you experiences instead. A day at a museum and lunch? Something inexpensive near you? A 3 day trip to a nearby city or state? Tickets to a concert? Pottery class? Botanical gardens? The possibilities are endless 😊❤
I'm of the instagram generation and deleted that shit 8 years ago. Never had tiktok but I still like to know about the craziness which is why I come to youtube to watch creators like you break down the insanity! Always love your takes
I used to be a little bit of a hoarder. I had a lot of hobby supplies, clothes, notebooks. When I started moving around I realized it was too much and slowly have decreased the amount of stuff I had. It took years and 3 moves to get to a point I have a reasonable amount of things. I like the idea of people living a more affordable and reasonable life by taking care of what they have, but it’s best to do it responsibly by donating, selling and giving away things you don’t need.
I deleted my TikTok account few months ago, because it was making me feel pressured.
You gotta do what's best for you! I'm glad you did! ❤
The only social media platforms that have me in chokehold at the moment is: TH-cam, Pinterest, and Spotify. Literally everything else can go to H-11
Ur pathetic for even enjoying tik tok or videos that made u feel "pressured"...
These videos are amazing Symone. It's obvious you put a lot of work into the production and research of these things. I also like your delivery. I think it's virtuous to live within or even below you means (if possible). My boyfriend has a fancy tech job making 6 figures and he chooses to take the bus, he is't cheap but frugal and it's a great quality.
Thank you so much, I try my best! I appreciate you for your love and support!❤️ And that's the best way to do it, more for investments too! No need to waste money!
I feel like loads of people who actually have normal lives saw this trend and got really excited - this is our time to shine. I actually love watching this trend, firstly cus I'm super nosey and wanna see other people's raggedy old towels and worn out favourite bags, but also because it's relatable and just makes you feel normal. A lot of aesthetic content makes you feel dissatisfied with your life, because very few people have all their stuff cute and colour co-ordinated. Which is how you get sold shit you don't need. But this is just kind of feel-good.
"VIRAL VIRAL" that cracked me up lmaooo if I see the "viral hoodie" ad on TH-cam shorts one more time I'm going to holler 😂😂😂
reallllll
I really do think it’s funny that there’s underconsumption core now when from my whole life, I’ve been saving grocery bags for the bathroom trash or using takeout containers to hold leftovers. It’s just so crazy.
The next "core" is gonna be Regular-core (not to be confused with Norm-core).
WHAT THERE'S A DIFFERENCE! 😂 😂 😂
We'll get a "core-core" one day
@@Kazelitathere already is a core-core
@@Bbrain_DeadD But Core Core is awesome.
That’s a brain fck 🥴 😆
🗣🗣"I like people living a normal life" 🗣🗣 This! To me it's not normal to put your life/house/kids/personal life information on the internet. Like you said, We gotta learn to think for ourselves and if we need help, we ask! There are resources out there for everything and everyone, truly.
Great video ❤❤❤ I love all your videos ❤
I’m so glad I got off of social media back in 2018. TH-cam is where I hear about all the shenanigans happening on the platforms, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to not jump back in. Seems like whatever some folks can do to get the views and compensation that may come with it, they’re doing it. No matter what it is, they’re ON IT.
I try to live by the following: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
i m from india and our goverment banned tiktok in 2021 itself in my country i m now glad that they took this decision on seeing the drama that is is ccreating in the west
This kinda stuff is so frustrating to me because while stuff like this is on the app you have control of the FYP so if you (the user) skip the videos & search for stuff you are interested in that becomes your FYP-so now I’m learning about other cultures & perspectives & music & history I was otherwise unaware of/unexposed to even when it’s my own country etc.! It CAN be used as a means of finding friends & community but it is something you have to work at to make it work for you & not the other way around-which is what the trends do. It’s complicated!
Your content was well structured and clear. I liked how you differenciated the types of people that adhered to this trend and called out people who only do it for the trend (because the moment it changes again, so they will).
The main thing is we need to be consistent and find our own way to live, not switch the whole personality for every new trend
Finally a good trend, but let’s make it a lifestyle.
This is just sad… so glad I deleted Tik Tok and IG. Don’t want to be marketed to, don’t want to be influenced. I’m tired of toxic media. Normalize normal & saving the planet.
off topic but your mini twists are so beautiful 😍
People not using all their products has existed LONG before social media and is often associated with Stage 1 Hoarding. It's often less about "oopsie, I'm so privileged I forgot I have a product and I bought another" and more about an emotional and/or mental "high" that comes from shopping, similar to emotional eaters.
Instead of addressing the underlying issues, they cope through an external stimuli (such as shopping) and can feel "protected" by this (such as "if I need extra or run out in the future I'll already have it") even though the negative effects are more harmful (clutter which can lead to higher depression/anxiety, increased expenses/debt which can lead to stress/anxiety/depression, etc...).
Your sense of humor about these ridiculous trends and people doing the opposite of what they were JUST doing to follow a trend is absolutely hilarious and spot on. Love this video.
Keep making these awesome videos! They are amazing and I watch every single one. I need this realness in my life. I’ve absolutely made some of these overconsumption mistakes and I’m working on taking back my finances.
I love your take on this. When I first saw "underconsumption core", I interpreted it as a parody of overconsumption (I didn't even know we'd added -core" to that but whatever) and then I kept seeing it as if normal life is the new aesthetic. I think the intentions are good but are getting lost the more people hop on the bandwagon. maybe that's just the internet though 🤷♀ I can't keep up
I absolutely agree with what you said, especially as it relates to trends being set up to inevitably market to you, but I do appreciate seeing this trend go viral. For better or for worse, something going viral can normalize it. Is it the norm already for a lot of us? Yes. Is it annoying to see others gain from pretending to be our normal? Yes. But for some out there, normalizing what is essentially a normal level of consumption tells them that it's okay to do that, and that is huge. If you've grown up hearing you need XY and Z to be a complete or successful person, hearing and seeing that you have permission to not have that is everything.
I can’t watch an underconsumption video now on TikTok without cynically noticing the swimming pool in the background. Perhaps that’s how they can afford the pool?! 😂😂
I don't have a TikTok and never did. 💯
Ultimately, just live within your means. That's my life motto.
Girl, I've been having a s*** day but you've really made my day with your reactions. It's hilarious. Love you.
The part where you mentioned keeping leftovers in the butter tubs. One time my dad put leftover vanilla pudding in one and my mom accidentally used it to fry an egg thinking it was margarine 😂 she was not happy!
Lmao
Oh no!!! LOL
“Y’all just wanted to be mob bosses and now you wanna be frugal?” Had me cracking up 😂
I have a friend busting out of her 2 bedroom 3 floor home and I’m just like- the consumerism. I could live in her house and buy almost nothing for a year or two.
Food, clothes, cleaning supplies- everything is there in multiples.
I went ‘conscience consumerism’ years ago where I don’t buy something new till I’ve used or worn through what I already own. Took me 8 months to eat through food stores, 1 year for cleaning supplies, 2 years for most grooming supplies. Saved so much money and paid off debt.
I had a shopoholic problem for a bit when I finally had a decently paying job. But now I'm trying to buy only things I need. But sometimes I need to throw away expired things (medication, cosmetics and such) and buy the fresh things. I'm not living zero waste or something. Just conscious about my spending. And if I buy something I will use it (like coffee syrups, chocolate or matcha).
Yeah...but having all that put back allowed you to do that...
And, speaking from experience, if there's a sudden job loss, illness, death, etc, you'll be glad you have food, shampoo, extra towels, etc to fall back on so you can concentrate your efforts elsewhere. But there's a line. Having backups is not the same as hoarding.
I stopped caring about trends when I left high school. I am surprised adults care about trends. So bizarre. Especially if you’re following a trend that is online-like as an adult, I just buy what I need or want. That is part of what is great about being an adult! No one at anyplace I have ever worked at ever cared about trends. Never saw one Stanley cup or anything. I learn about trends from channels like this.
Simone-your commentary is always on point!
I found your channel . I got a laugh from it. I have never been on TikTok. Apparently I've been doing this trend for 20 years lol. We save bags from the grocery store. We don't have matching glasses. Great Video btw.
Today I learned I have been living an underconsumption lifestyle just by not wasting things, not buying things because I hate shopping,and being a regular person. Great video!
"One pair of shoes and a dusty purse" took me out 😂 7:10
Yes, agree 💯 And this is how I grew up & still live. We use rags, not paper towels, grocery bags as trash bags, empty food containers as Tupperware, sew holes in clothing, pick up free curb items to repurpose, etc.
The girl who cleared her cabinets and placed the ONE red cup in there!!!!????? 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 I can’t yall I can nooootttttt
judging by the caption she wrote "your favorite influencer doing 'underconsumption core'" i'm positive it was satire. though it is not too far off from what we've been genuinely seeing tbh
And a plastic solo cup at that👀 no glass no ceramic…plastic 😂😂😂
@@Littlemushroomfangs😂😂😂
That was satire she was making fun of other influencers
Girl that was satire-maybe actually look at the caption instead of making assumptions
Thank you for this! I completely agree! I've seen this happen over and over in the past 10 years. For example: the 0 waste and mininializim went from environmentalists and underconsumption to an "aesthetic " now they are turning poverty and middle class into a trend of "underconsuption " . This is a sickness of lack of critical thinking, everyone is braindead social media zombies.
These trends are dangerous… like financially dangerous
I was for the videos labeled “deinfluencing you” because the content was genuinely pushing for people to reuse items around them and to be more conscious of what they have before going out to buy more. But this underconsumption core is as you said, another trend for people to fit into. Some people mean well but there will be some who who’ll just fake it.
I did the minimalist trend about 7 years ago and haven’t been able to change ever since 😅
Almost everything I own is beige/tan/black, I have 5 pairs of jeans, etc. It actually helps someone like me, who can never decide what to wear but also don’t want to go outside their comfort zone. I am also guilty of paying a lot for the few pieces of clothing I have, but again, it’s been 7 years and counting of wearing those same things on repeat
Any recs for qaulity clothing?
Deleted my social media! No more consumption of media and advertisements
if you want to under consume but you have to move a lot or are in college, keep your boxes and bags so you can put your stuff in to move. Keep as much as you can that doesn't need to be replaced (meaning if its not gonna mold or get nasty, keep it). Know the size of your apartment/dorm before buying anything. It may sound logical and it is, but this is some advice I have as someone who has moved a majority of my life and has moved a bit in my adult life.
Yes! Plastic bags, extra towels, extra sheets, etc can all be used as bubble wrap. Cheaper and since you need to pack it up anyway, takes up less space rather than packing it separately.
You hit the nail on the head -trends are about MARKETING. If there's money in it, there's a trend.
Resistance comes by seeing it for what it is and not participating. Seeking out the authentic from the 'fakes' is easy for those of us that already are!
Yep. And there's an awful lot of fakes out there!
Just to add that underconsumption does not mean you don’t take care of what you have while staying within a healthy budget. If you can’t fix or maintain your stuff because you don’t have the money yet, that’s understandable; but if you are choosing not to, that’s a whole separate issue.
Lol not the lady with the snake oil hopping on the underconsumption trend 🤣 ok girl, ready for this Elmer's glue and olive oil mix to solve my problems!
It’s so wild seeing people dirty up shoes and rip up clothes ON PURPOSE when my unkempt clothes and “dusty” shoes got me picked on in school 😭
This video is so good! Like, I’ve been living and shopping intentionally, thrifting, taking inventory of what we have. Consciously getting rid of things and bring things in our home. AND NOW, it’s a trend. Say what?!? Make it make sense!
Same! For years as an educator, I thifted all of my clothing. I started 13 years ago. I wanted to look professional and nice in my classroom yet didn't want to spend a fortune. I found multiple amazing items while spending $30 . I always looked nice but didn't break my bank. Now I can't find too many good items thrifting because everyone is in on the trend of thrifting. I do a decluttering 2x year and make sure to reevaluate everything. Make it make sense! My own issue is books and I love to collect them too much. 😂
I thought underconsumption is about being normal and intentional irl. What is wrong with ppl these days? 🤷♀️.
Edit: Also the privilege part....so true 👍.
😬 I probably started that way but it's taking a ugly turn!
@@SocialSymone Some people on the internet are sooo out of touch with reality smh 😒
i've seen a few videos of people getting into "underconsumption core" by SHOVELING their excess belongings into the trash. i'm just livid. because i KNOW when this trend "ends" their going to go buy it ALLLLL back. wasteful.
So glad I found your channel! You voice the opinions I've had for years! But many people my age choose to be ignorant and blame it on their age. Truly disappointing.
When you're young and dont have as much life experience, theres far more fear you'll be socially ostracized for not participating in trends. Funny enough that "high school mentality" of not being "cool enough" hit me harder in my early 20s than in actual high school because social media had me convinced i was living life wrong. Now im 26, mostly off social media and don't care at all lol
Welcome to the no social media gang , I wish I would've done it earlier in my 20s.
But 31 and no social media is a BLESSING.
Social media will have you thinking you're not succeeding in real life.
You're doing great, and you've always been " cool enough".
Love this, thank you!@@agirlyhasnoname
These people are old? Who cares about trends in their 20s? Many don't even care about trends in theirs teens... pathetic.
Some of us always had a mind of our own and can see things for what they are. 😅😅 lucky and cursed.
@@ewidontlikeyougood for you?? Do u want a prize for not dealing with mental health & insecurity bc of social media when ur young? So out of touch
I get so excited when you upload, I know I’m going to have a field day!
0:13 i just wanna point out shelbizleee is a youtuber who is an ecominimalist/zero waster.
She was an example of the good in this trend, she is living this by choice and I SEEN it on her tiktok BEFORE this trend. 💕💕💕
Love @shelbizleee
i think the “trend” helps to bring awareness to being a concious consumer. for some of us, social media has fed on our insecurities, envy, and comparison to get us to achieve a certain lifestyle by overconsuming and having all the latest items. it woke me up to being more concious of my spending habits and how it’s not financially sustainable. and it’s saved me a lot of money by not buying the things i’ve once been influenced to buy. so the trend was a good callout to how i was trying to achieve an unrealistic lifestyle and i’m very thankful for it!
I really love your content! You make videos that are truly thought provoking.
I'm loving these videos. I've been watching them during my lunch break, having a blast and forgetting I'm at work
Your locs are popping in this video sis!!!
You took the words right out my my heart and mouth. I really worry about how easily influenced people are. Wondering if there’s anyone out there that can think for themselves or at least see past the sales pitch like you said. People need to wake up.
Since they’re “under consuming “ let’s see them get rid of those Stanley cups.
So under consuming is getting rid of what you already have? And then what? They have to buy a new cup?
@@radhiadeedou8286 and they will buy a new cup, that’s my point. Can ppl stop wanting to buy the “viral things”? And yes you can under consume by getting rid of what you already own. That’s my own opinion.
Yup 😂 I already saw this happening when it became a trend to have like 50 of the same cups in different colors
They'll just make videos about "thrifting" Stanley cups.
@@katfancy33 imo if you really want to under consume you should keep everything you have so you won't have to buy new stuff for a long time
I grew up very close to my grandma and her two sisters. My grandma was the youngest of 7 children in Appalachia, and was born near the end of The Great Depression. While she was too young to really remember it, the 2 older sisters, my great-aunts, definitely did. Growing up in that level of poverty scared them for life, and even when I was a kid in the 90's you could not throw anything away, or not finish your food at their house without getting a serious talking to. They would use everything they ever bought until it was absolutely unusable, and had usually been duct-taped/ re-sewn/ glued back together/ otherwise repaired several times, even though they weren't poor anymore and could afford to replace things, esp. small $5 or less items. When I first heard of the "under-consumption core" trend I was just like.... you mean what people who live in/ grew up in crippling poverty have been doing forever? My aunt Louise always did say, if you give something a few decades it will eventually come back in style.
I’ve never had a Tik Tok and I barely look at IG. I’m in the military and have to move every couple of years and I hate moving with a lot of stuff. So I try to keep the necessities and a few items I know I’m going to get a lot of uses out of. I only own 5 pairs of shoes outside of my army boots.
Your whole discussion about people needing to be told sheds light on how many people form values, ethics, and political views in their life. People tend to live in comfort zone bubbles that allow them to not critically think.
Underconsumption is squeezing out that last bit of toothpaste from a mangled tube, not edited TikToks of using your fully stocked skin care products.
1000% agree🙌like I like “underconsumption core” as a reminder for people to second guess buying that new *aesthetic* thing, but it’s really annoying to see the ultra wealthy influencers mocking the people who’s real life is more viral than them rn. These trends switch up faster than the wind blows and it’s ruining everything, like going to Target is ratchet now, but idk maybe we’ll get back to real life eventually but I don’t see that happening until the 2030s 😮💨😔
I deleted TikTok a couple of weeks ago. I got so sick of the constant advertisement. it's insessant. And I live in Eastern Europe, so most of the underconsumption is just life here. Its normal. Loved th video. ;)
This reminded me of minimalism.
I remember when that trend came around I bought so much stuff just to have the minimalistic style. It was such a waste of money.
Now I’m doing something different.
This past year I bought A LOT of stuff and I put myself in severe credit card debt.
I decided to only buy the essentials. This has been a recent decision I made, but you gotta start somewhere right.
I did not know about underconsumption until I watched this video.
Unlike minimalism, I don’t see a need to buy things to fit in to this. So I have a name for my new lifestyle while I work hard to pay off my debts.
I got rid of a bunch of clothes/shoes that I did not wear and I’m gonna stick with what I got.
I have a therapist and we’ve talked about my overconsumption and we will work on it in my sessions.
I was buying things to help feel less lonely and less depressed. This is a bad habit.
I also just found out about this channel and I’m loving it.
I've been doing ThriftCore 15 years now. I didn't come up with the idea on my own. I got it from a tattered copy of the Tightwad Gazette I borrowed from my mom and I still haven't given back yet.
“They want to be like you because being like you is the popular in thing to do” Truth! Just be yourself, the you away from the camera. You are enough!! I just discovered you with this video, and I Love you, Social Symone. Thanks for keeping it real.
People lost the plot with minimalism. It went from "only buying or owning things that you believe truly provide your life value" to becoming a weird and lifeless design aesthetic where you drink coffee out of mouthwash bottles and eat off the floor of your apartment with no furniture.