De-influencing: How to buy smarter and spend less
Today, we are constantly bombarded with information and influences from advertising, media, and social media. Popular creators on Instagram and TikTok tell us about a new must-have product nearly every day. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and spend money that we dont mean to spend on products we never intended to buy. With so many external factors vying for our attention, it can be difficult to make decisions that are truly our own. That's why there's been a growing trend towards de-influencing – a movement that encourages individuals to take control of their decision-making process and make buying decisions based on their own values and goals, not only what influencers are talking about on Instagram or TikTok.
Why De-Influencing is Important
External influences can have a profound impact on our decision-making process, shaping our beliefs, values, and purchasing habits. For example, advertising can make us believe that we need certain products to be happy or successful, even if we don't actually need them. Social media can create a false sense of reality and pressure us to conform to certain standards of beauty or lifestyle. The parasocial relationships we develop with online content creators can lead us to feel a sense of peer pressure when we see theor posts, pushing us to make purchases in ways that don't align with our own values and goals.
By participating in de-influencing, we can take back control of our decisions and make choices that are truly our own. This can lead to greater self-awareness, personal fulfillment, and financial stability, as well as a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
How to incorporate De-Influencing into your life
De-influencing requires developing critical thinking skills around purchases, seeking out diverse perspectives, and aligning our actions with our own values and goals. Here are a few tips to get started:
Identify your values: What is important to you? How do you want to spend your money and to whom do you want it to go? Understanding your values can help you make decisions that align with your priorities.
Be mindful of external influences: Be aware of the impact that advertising, media, and social media can have on your decision-making process. Consider the source of the information and how it may be influencing your beliefs and values. Many content creators are called influencers for a reason.
Seek out diverse perspectives: Don't rely solely on one source of information or opinion. Seek out multiple perspectives and consider them in your decision-making process.
Reflect on your decisions: Take time to reflect on the choices you make and consider why you made them. Did you make them based on your own values and goals, or were you influenced by external factors? Make a wish list for things that you’re thinking about buying and use it to put some time and space between desiring an object and making a purchase.
Get support: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your goals and values. Having a support system can help you stay on track and make decisions that align with your priorities. If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to a financial therapist or financial social worker for support as well.
By taking these steps, you can begin your journey towards reclaiming control over your spending decisions.
The de-influencing trend is a growing movement that seeks to empower individuals to make more conscious, independent, and mindful decisions. By reducing the impact of external factors, such as advertising, media, and peer pressure, we can align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with our personal values and goals, leading to better spending decisions and greater financial stability. Whether you're looking to improve your financial situation or just make more informed consumer choices, the de-influencing trend offers a path to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.