In today’s digital age, over-consumption is escalating, and social media plays a huge role in making it worse.
Platforms, like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, are filled with perfectly curated images that showcase new trends, gadgets, and fashion. All designed to grab attention and create desire. For teenagers, especially, this constant exposure can lead to impulsive buying and a culture where having the latest things feels like a must.
The environmental impact of this trend is staggering. According to the Global Footprint Network, humanity’s ecological footprint currently exceeds Earth’s capacity by 75%. In other words, we are consuming resources 1.75 times faster than the planet can regenerate them. This overuse contributes directly to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction.
A major factor is fast fashion, which generates about 92 million tons of textile waste globally each year. In the United States alone, more than 17 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills every year, with less than 15% being recycled or reused.
The constant push to consume is driven by the business model behind social media platforms. These companies earn billions from advertising, targeting users with carefully personalized ads based on their browsing and engagement habits. The more time users spend scrolling, the more ads they see, increasing the likelihood of purchases. This cycle has made consumerism an embedded part of online culture.
Many students across the United States have felt the effects of social media-driven over-consumption, and at Ozark High School in Ozark, Missouri, that pressure is clear.
“I used to save up for things I really wanted, but now I end up buying stuff I don’t need just because I saw it online,” senior Zailey Nicholas said. “It’s like a chain reaction — one post leads to another.”
This experience is common among many teens who find it difficult to resist the constant stream of new products showcased by influencers and celebrities.
“I’ve started following more eco-friendly accounts and trying to buy less. It’s tough, but I think being mindful is the first step,” Zena Shaalan said. Zena’s change in behavior shows that while social media can fuel consumption, it also offers opportunities to promote sustainability and awareness. Many creators now use their platforms to highlight environmental issues and encourage followers to make better choices.
That sentiment is echoed by students at Thomas A. Edison CTE High School in Queens, where awareness around sustainability is slowly growing.
“I used to feel left out if I didn’t have the newest sneakers or the latest iPhone,” junior David Tran said. “But now I think more before buying anything. I ask myself if I really need it or if I’m just caught up in the hype.”
“We talk about climate change in class, but it wasn’t until I saw a video breaking down fast fashion’s impact that I started changing my habits. Now I thrift more and try to repair my clothes instead of tossing them,” senior Aleena Martinez said.
For some, it’s a daily battle between digital influence and personal values.
“It’s hard because we’re always online — it’s part of school, work, everything,” Ranya Elbaz, a sophomore, said. “But I started muting accounts that make me want to shop all the time. That helped more than I expected.”
Experts in environmental science emphasize the urgency of reducing consumption. They argue that small lifestyle changes by individuals, combined with systemic reforms in production and advertising, are necessary to avoid irreversible damage to the planet. Recycling and reusing products can help, but experts say the biggest impact comes from consuming less overall.
Schools can play a key role in addressing over-consumption by incorporating media literacy and environmental education into their curriculum. Teaching students how to critically evaluate advertising and understand the consequences of their consumption habits empowers them to make smarter decisions.
“I think if we had more real conversations about this stuff in school, more students would care,” said Joshua Kim, a senior in Edison’s IT program. “Once you learn how these companies manipulate your attention, it’s easier to push back.”
The link between social media and over-consumption is undeniable, and tackling it requires a combined effort from users, educators, and companies.
At Thomas A. Edison CTE High School, growing awareness among students offers hope that future generations will break the cycle of endless consumption and move toward a more sustainable future.
