Have you ever had a desire to buy all of the Apple products such as the iPhone, Macbook, Airpod, iPad, and so on? Or purchase all of the goods of a single brand even though they are unnecessary for your life? Do you find yourself still unhappy after buying all these items? This actually happens to many people around the world, so much so that it has been classified as a social effect: the “Diderot Effect”. The Diderot Effect is a common social phenomenon referring to the tendency of consumers to possess products that have cultural connections.
Introduction
This effect was actually named after a French philosopher, Denis Diderot, who generalized the phenomenon through his own experience. One day, he got an attractive red gown. He liked the gown so much and suddenly thought that the other items in his house did not match the gown. Discontented, he decided to change all the items in his house so that they would harmonize with his new gown. He transformed his room completely with new furniture and even a new kitchen table. After decorating the room, he realized that these changes did not make him feel happy and said, “All is now discordant. No more coordination, no more unity, no more beauty”. Finally, he gave attention to his experience that it could be extended to a social level and wrote an essay named, “Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown”. This is the first introduction of the Diderot Effect.
Real-life Examples & Causes
However, lots of people are still becoming victims of the effect. For instance, some people have the hobby of collecting the entirety of the products of a brand such as Apple, some luxurious fashion brand. In addition to purchasing all the products of a single brand, buying accessories that match a new dress could be an example of this phenomenon. This is because people naturally accumulate and add similar things and feel more emotionally stable when doing so. However, such behaviors do not fill your lack of sentiment and can make you feel even more dissatisfied instead since those were not you really wanted for fulfillment. As a result, the negative cycle of the Diderot Effect does not end.
Solutions
If you are caught up in this situation, you do not need to worry. However, be prepared to put some effort into escaping from it. To avoid the Diderot Effect from your life, you first need to evaluate if you are influenced by it or not, objectively. It is crucial to be aware of your current situation because sometimes people worsen their circumstances due to a lack of acknowledgment. Second, make a consumption plan and think extensively about whether an item is necessary before you actually buy it. One of the problems of the Diderot Effect is using a considerable amount of income for unplanned expenditures so that cannot use money properly in the future. Therefore, you need to consider if you are actually economically stable and also take into account your economic position in the future. As you contemplate your consumption and future seriously, you will find yourself more satisfied than before. Lastly, you need to let go of your greed. It is natural; there is no limit to man’s greed. However, you become obsessed with products and lose all the happiness of consuming, beginning to feel stressed out. To counteract this greed, practice giving items to others as presents. By sharing with others, you can begin to focus on their usefulness, not your possession, and recover your composure again.
As exposure to purchases has become more common due to online platforms, people tend to be maximalists regardless of their intention. However, you should keep yourself protected from these unwelcome exposures. And always remind yourself that consumption is only for “your” happy future.
Work Citation
Becomingminimalist. Joshua Becker, 13 Mar. 2016, www.becomingminimalist.com/
diderot/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2020.
Clear, James. "The Diderot EffeWhy We Want Things We Don't Need — And What to
Do About It." James Clear, jamesclear.com/diderot-effect. Accessed 22 Nov.
2020.
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