There was a time I bought into every trending gadget and viral skincare product out there.
It felt harmless—after all, I was only trying out what everyone said was “life-changing.”
But gradually, I realized that I’d been swept into a cycle of never-ending recommendations that left me both financially and emotionally drained.
As someone who’s spent years studying the interplay between technology and human behavior, I’ve become more conscious of how these influencer-driven pushes can shape (and sometimes distort) our view of ourselves, our relationships, and even our priorities.
In my late 30s now, I’m living a life that’s more balanced and intentional.
I’m definitely more aware now of how external influences—especially online—can slowly chip away at our peace of mind.
I guess you could say I’m a de-influencer because I prefer to guide people to healthier choices rather than just pushing new products.
So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re tethered too tightly to the constant wave of “buy this!” or “don’t miss out on that,” read on.
Here are eight harsh but essential truths that could help you reclaim a sense of balance.
1. The constant barrage of notifications is fueling your anxiety more than you realize
One of the most jarring truths I had to face was that every chime and vibration from my phone was chipping away at my peace.
Sure, I told myself I was just staying “informed” or “connected,” but deep down, I knew these notifications were acting like little panic buttons, fueling an ongoing sense of urgency.
The more messages I got—everything from flash sales to social media tags—the more restless I felt.
My way out was creating pockets of daily digital distance.
Essentially, I turned off all push notifications except for calls and texts from close family.
I carved out half-hour blocks (sometimes more) to step completely away from screens.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling during breaks, I’d grab coffee with my partner or play a quick board game with my stepson.
Almost instantly, my anxiety levels dropped. It was as though I’d lifted a veil of noise that kept telling me to buy, click, or check “just one more time.”
In those small moments of quiet, I discovered I had the power to decide what truly mattered—my mental well-being or the endless stream of marketing messages.
2. You’re probably trapped in a consumption cycle that isn’t even your own
Ever notice how half the things you buy aren’t really for you, but more about fitting into some collective trend?
That was my situation, at least.
The harsh truth is, a big slice of our shopping habits is shaped by curated social feeds and influencer wish lists.
We end up going after objects and styles that don’t reflect our personal taste as much as they reflect someone else’s highlight reel.
To escape this treadmill, I started to curate my consumption.
I took stock of everything I brought into my life—both physically and digitally.
From unsubscribing to certain YouTube channels that only fueled impulse spending, to reorganizing my social media feeds, I set a new rule: if it doesn’t serve my genuine interests or values, it doesn’t get a spot in my feed or home.
This turned out to be incredibly liberating.
Suddenly, I had fewer items piling up in the closet, fewer random gadgets collecting dust, and more time to engage in experiences that actually mattered.
It’s astounding how quickly mental clarity arrives when you’re not drowning in “stuff” you never wanted in the first place.
A more curated life is like building a well-organized digital and physical library; you choose what deserves your attention, and the rest simply doesn’t make the cut.
3. You keep treating emotional wounds with retail therapy (and it’s not working)
I’ve always been fascinated by how emotions shape behaviors—one of the reasons I pivoted from software development to digital anthropology.
But you don’t need a formal background to realize that a lot of impulse buys happen when we’re stressed, lonely, or bored.
If something’s missing, many of us fill the gap with a purchase, hoping it’ll bring a spark of joy—or at least a distraction.
Sound familiar? If so, leaning into emotional check-ins might help.
These are quick, intentional pauses before any purchase—online or in a store—where I simply ask, “Why do I want this right now?”
The answer is sometimes enlightening (or downright sobering). Boredom? Anxiety? An attempt to feel cooler than I actually am?
Identifying that underlying emotion lets me address the real issue, not slap on a band-aid made of bubble wrap and retail receipts.
More often than not, I walk away from those carts feeling oddly relieved—like I’ve just dodged a bullet that would’ve only made me feel guilty or regretful later on.
When you understand your “why,” you’re far less likely to fall for every passing fad or hyperbolic influencer recommendation.
4. Your spending habits reflect deeper priorities (whether you’re aware of it or not)
Brutal truth: the way we spend money is a direct reflection of our values and what we prioritize.
If most of your monthly budget goes to quick-fix items that gather dust, it might be time to reevaluate what’s genuinely important in your life.
Back in my 20s, I tried to buy my way into happiness with trendy clothes and tech gadgets.
Each purchase felt exciting at first, but the shine faded fast, leaving me with an emptier wallet and the same old problems.
I tackled this by designing purposeful spending habits.
These days, I set aside a portion of my income for true essentials—like groceries and bills—and another chunk for experiences or savings that resonate with my personal goals.
As soon as I made this mental shift, my financial stress plummeted, and I felt more in control of my life.
By realigning how I spend, I’m indirectly shaping the kind of future I want for myself and my family.
And let me tell you, it feels good to know your money isn’t just disappearing into a black hole of fleeting trends.
A bonus? When you do treat yourself to something special, you appreciate it more because it aligns with your core values rather than an impulsive, influencer-driven narrative.
5. You’re sacrificing face-to-face connections for fleeting online interactions
Don’t get me wrong—social media can be a good thing. It’s helped me connect with like-minded people around the globe.
But let’s be real: it also tempts us to replace genuine human contact with likes, comments, and fleeting DMs.
Then we wonder why loneliness is on the rise.
That’s why I make it a point to schedule authentic offline connections.
It could be planning a monthly hike with friends or setting a weekly game night with family.
Even if you only manage a monthly dinner with your cousins or a weekly catch-up call with a friend, these moments of authentic connection are powerful.
In fact, Dr. Brené Brown once said, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
By fostering these face-to-face bonds, we reduce the emotional void that advertising and influencer culture often exploit.
6. Constantly upgrading your devices is hurting both your wallet and the planet
Let’s get down to brass tacks: the tech world has mastered the art of making us feel our current devices are instantly obsolete.
Growing up, I was always obsessed with the next big release—“faster processing,” “better camera,” “innovative design.”
But that cycle is exhausting and expensive. It wasn’t until I read about the mounting e-waste crisis and the environmental toll of perpetual upgrades that I decided enough was enough.
According to the World Health Organization data, e-waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world.
Every device we toss contributes to an already swelling pile of electronic waste.
Now, instead of jumping to the latest model, I look for ways to optimize or repair what I already have.
By slowing down, you don’t just save money—you also reduce the carbon footprint of churning through electronics like they’re disposable. That’s a win-win in my book.
7. Owning more stuff won’t fix what’s missing in your life
Here’s a scenario: you buy the latest gadget, game, or piece of furniture, and for a short while, it feels like life has leveled up.
But the sparkle fades, and you’re back to that same sense of “I need something else.”
The truth is, acquiring things is rarely the solution to deeper life gaps, whether it’s loneliness, career dissatisfaction, or unresolved childhood challenges.
The next time you’re tempted by an impulse purchase, ask yourself: “Am I really craving the item, or the feeling of excitement it brings?”
More often than not, you’d be better off spending your resources on experiences rather than material things.
Experiences nurture that feeling of excitement and fulfillment more deeply and sustainably than any product ever could.
Here’s a question to consider: When was the last time you felt genuinely recharged by something that wasn’t a purchase?
Reflect on that for a moment.
Chances are, it involved an activity or memory shared with people you care about.
Our culture likes to sell us the idea that happiness comes in a shipping box, but real fulfillment usually arises from connection, learning, and growth.
By prioritizing experiences over belongings, I’ve seen not only a boost in my overall happiness but also a stronger bond with the people I love.
And that’s worth more than any trendy product could ever offer.
Final thoughts
So where does that leave us with the eighth, most brutally honest truth?
It’s this: No product, influencer, or marketing campaign can give you what you refuse to give yourself—peace, clarity, and self-worth.
All the noise in our digital world is just that—noise.
Whether it’s the lure of a must-have gadget or a viral skincare hack, the real solution to restlessness and dissatisfaction lies within.
When we pause to question the role of technology, trends, and influencer voices in our lives, we reclaim the power to decide what truly serves us.
My hope in sharing these insights is to remind you that it’s perfectly okay—even necessary—to step back from the hyper-consumption treadmill.
You don’t have to ditch technology or social media entirely, but approaching them with a mindful, balanced perspective can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.
In many ways, I consider these rituals to be an ongoing practice; they aren’t one-and-done solutions, but rather lifelong habits that keep me centered.
The next time you find yourself captivated by another shiny recommendation, remember: you have the ultimate say in what does or doesn’t become part of your life.
And that, in itself, is a beautiful kind of freedom.
