Is it normal i have a cynical way of viewing money/corporations/products?

I'm a young make college student and recently, when working over the summer, I have this cynical extremists view of how money works and capitalism where I just notice from now on how everything that relates how to world works in capitalist societies (i have no problem with capitalism).

An example can be where sometimes when I'm listening to music and an advertisement and instead of hearing what it has to offer, I just take off my headphones because I know it's just a way to get you as the consumer to buy shit you don't need....

It's weird to explain, where I don't even like buying things and wont give me pleasure anymore knowing that it's a way to make profit off me.

Voting Results
70% Normal
Based on 10 votes (7 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 6 )
  • TrustMeImLying

    I used to do this a lot too. Especially with stuff like youtube videos that forced me to watch the whole ad instead of allowing skip after a few secs. I would mute, and let it play but and focus elsewhere xD

    Maybe it's a phase for you as it was for me. I had such a strong aversion to not be "manipulated" by anything that I would go to ridiculous lengths to compensate. Almost like it was out of spite/rebellion. But over time I've learned that realizing or being aware of any scheme kind of cancels out the manipulative component, because being aware makes what you do a choice -- if that makes sense? I somehow managed to find a balance through that, hope you do too

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Prevalence

      In a way, it does make sense. It probably is a phase and I can see it going away hopefully and eventually. Thanks for the insightful information!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • dirtybirdy

    Did Bill Hicks plant his seeds in you?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Freedom_

    Seems to be a good way to look at things. If you don't want/need something without someone telling you that you want and need it (unless you are them) you probably don't truly need/want it and would be disappointed if you bought it because someone hyped you up to do so. When you spend money on an object you are encouraging the market to supply more of that object, so buy what you want to see more of and advertise your own mind and taste.

    I didn't even buy clothes a couple years ago because none of the styles suited my taste...i.e. Skinny jeans

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • KingRabbit

    This is hardly extreme. Get off grid then we can talk about the influence of marketing on society.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • thegypsysailor

    Golly gee. Did you know they even make TV's that turn the sound down all by themselves when the ads come on?
    Where do you think the radio and TV stations get their money to operate, if not from ads (and coincidentally from the sales of the useful items they promote)?
    Since you are already in college, you might really benefit from a class in economics.

    Comment Hidden ( show )