In most developed countries shopping is not only about

buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as

entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development?

Give your own opinion and examples based on your

experience.

In many developed nations, consumerism is not only about buying the

everyday things we need to survive but is also seen as a form of
entertainment. This essay will argue that this is a very negative development
because of the detrimental effect marketing and advertising has on people
and the fact that it is a very unproductive hobby.

The main reason people buy luxury items is because of the influence
multinationals’ marketing campaigns have on them. We are constantly
bombarded with messages telling us that if we buy a certain product we will
be happier, more beautiful or more complete. In many ways, these companies
trick us into buying their products, when all we need to be happy are much
simpler items. For example, fashion chains like Chanel and Prada tell people
that they are only good enough if they wear nice clothes and use glamorous
models to make people feel unsatisfied with their appearance.

Shopping for goods you don’t really need is also not the most productive thing
you can do with your time. Not only is it a huge waste of money; it does
nothing to develop a person either physically or intellectually. If we compare
this activity with other popular pastimes like sport, reading or even watching
movies, we can see how unfulfilling shopping really is. For instance, most of
my friends who spend their weekends shopping have nothing else to talk
about, other than their purchases, whereas my friends who use their time
more wisely are often much more interesting to talk to.

In conclusion, people should only shop for the necessities and not for
pleasure because they are being manipulated by transnational companies and
there are also much more constructive ways for people to spend their free
time.