Conspicuous Consumption

Right from childhood, we are attracted to things that we can call our own, stuff like clothes, toys, bags, and books, later morphing into adult toys like cars, jewellery, furniture, Playstations and iPhones.

These possessions become our extension and eventually our legacy.

Holding on to one’s belongings, when taken to the extreme, becomes a serious problem of hoarding when the owners are reluctant to ever part with their collectables.

Hoarding disorder is a growing problem and can be the reason for fire hazards and even other menta...

The loss of material possessions often comes as a form of death to many, as many victims of theft or mugging feel a certain psychological loss, which is greater than the financial value of the stolen item.

Many also see the disposal of possessions as a liberating feeling f...

Being happy with material goods peaks during the formative years, when new experiences make the teenager’s already fragile self-esteem fluctuate. A sense of self-worth and respect makes them less prone to attachment towards materialist objects.

Pre-teen girls identify so m...

• The first car is often the main symbol of identity, with young adults seeing it as an extension of themselves.
• The house becomes the extension of the physical body and is a clear reflection on the image the owner wants to convey.
• Research shows that a fragile ego and power...

• In children, attachment to certain objects like a favourite toy or blanket is common.
• They can rebel or move to tears when made to part with the object they are attached to, as a deep bond is formed.
• The object aids the kid’s transition to adulthood and is more common wh...

As the world goes increasingly digital, our online identity becomes the primary way to tell the world about our possessions, likes, dislikes and desires.

Our self has extended itself in our digital possessions, which create the same kind of attachment as older people have with physical ob...