While the world is ever-expanding with new companies popping up every day, it is getting more crucial that we take careful consideration of what kinds of companies or content we engage with. From fast fashion to controversial YouTube stars, this article will take a dive into the world of how media consumers can be misled and why it is important to be aware of what you are consuming.
One of the best examples to showcase the need for consumers to be conscious of what they interact with is the concept of fast fashion. Fast fashion is a term coined in the early 1990s but it has been becoming increasingly popular within the last decade. With the rise of companies like Forever 21, SHEIN, and Fashion Nova (companies of which all utilize fast fashion), it is no surprise that the issue has been garnering more attention.
The idea behind fast fashion is inherently bad (with unsafe working conditions and environmental waste at its core), but the way these companies market themselves causes many consumers to not even realize the evil that hides beneath. For example, when you go onto the SHEIN website you are instantly greeted with pop-ups offering discounts, and an aesthetically-pleasing website design. Every clothing item is trendy and affordable, which appeals to many people. They market themselves as environmentally conscious and morally in-tact but the truth reveals itself with a little bit of investigation.
Do we really want to support that kind of business when purchasing from them means condoning all of the sketchy things they have going on behind the scenes? It is becoming more vital for us to lift up companies and small businesses that have a positive background, instead of boosting fast fashion companies that have no moral backing. I think Maurice Harary, an entrepreneur, sums it up best, “Supporting small businesses gives your business and your local community — benefits that no national chain can provide.” This all requires consumers to take steps that stray away from the negative influences of consumerism.
A similar instance shows its’ prevalence as the use of technology grows. That is consumers, supporting celebrities. As people’s pasts cement themselves on the internet, consumers have more access to what celebrities and social media influencers have done -- good or bad. Eventually, there comes a point in time where a person needs to consider who they can comfortably support.
While some people claim they can separate the art from the artist, it proves to be difficult as products created by celebrities garner millions of dollars. For example, Ye, previously known as Kanye West, is currently under fire for blasting his personal life on social media and bashing a handful of other celebrities. There are people that condemn his actions but admit they won’t stop listening to his music. This is problematic because those people are putting money directly into the pocket of the person they don’t agree with.
The solution to this issue is simple. If we, as consumers, spent more time supporting people and companies that do good for the world it would prevent problematic people from rising to fame despite the bad things they have done. Additionally, if we stopped giving those people attention or platforms to stand on, they wouldn’t have as much influence or power. All it takes is for us to be more conscious of things we engage with.