Materialism- Should it be criticized?

Materialism, defined by Merriam Webster is “a way of thinking that gives too much importance to material possessions rather than to spiritual or intellectual things”. Today, we can see many people going to malls, buying the latest trend in shoes, clothing and other unnecessary items. Although I believe that materialism itself is a reprobate trait, modern society shouldn’t criticize people for being materialistic. Yes, money can’t buy happiness, but it can, in some degree, bring satisfaction. Some studies show that our brain releases dopamine, the reason why we feel pleasure, when thinking of buying goods and being materialistic is a part of human instinct.

We usually associate buying things with positive emotions. Subsequently, we think that purchasing new stuff makes us happy. In a study, researchers looked the activity in the brain when we decide to buy something. When a person views an object, an area in the brain called the nucleus accumbens lights up when that person liked what they saw and our brain gets flooded dopamine at the thought of getting what they wanted. Perhaps because of this sensation of pleasure, we tend to buy it, giving in to our desires. However, studies show that with the passing of time, although we can still experience the positive emotions when using the product, we will experience this emotion less and less, thus prompting us to throw it out and buy something new.

In addition, some theories say that materialism is a natural instinct. In terms of Darwin's theory of evolution, we can see how we would become materialistic. Since natural resources are limited, human beings had to compete over them, and try to posses as much as possible. Another theory suggests that materialism is a survival instinct. Because of materialism, where we are constantly restless and constantly craving, we are in a state of alertness. When we are dissatisfied, we keep seeking for ways to satisfy ourselves, and in the process we are on the look out for ways of improving our chances of survival; if we were satisfied we would become relaxed and incautious, and other predators would take advantage of that.

Yet, there are many cases where being materialistic can bring dissatisfaction. The old saying “money can’t buy happiness” would be appropriate. After all, we will experience less satisfaction as time goes by with material wealth. And there are many instances where materialism consumed people to such an extent that they spend every waking hour thinking about their growing collection of clothes, cars, phones etc.

In conclusion, material wealth, or materialism is completely appropriate, if it does not affect one’s personal and everyday life. People should not criticize others for their materialism as it is a part of human nature, and is thus, inevitable. Although people should not dwell on material wealth too much and aspire to be on top of the latest trend, and should instead spend more time with family and friends, materialism should be accepted in modern society. Or perhaps, as a better solution, people should spend their money on experiences, such as vacations with the family as opposed to products.