What is the TikTok trend overconsumption core, and are you part of the problem?

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4 months ago

If you’ve got an 8-step skincare routine, a reusable water bottle collection and more than one parcel coming in the post right now, you’re definitely a victim of the TikTok overconsumption core trend.

Overconsumption core is basically the art of buying excessive amounts of stuff which is often makeup, shoes, household items and clothes. For such an environmentally conscious generation, we sure are doing a lot of damage with our wallets. The impact of buying clothes just to throw them out at the end of a season is criminal. Having said that, being online is simultaneously like walking through one of those busy marketplaces where people are constantly shouting at you to buy things, and leaving a hair appointment that ends up having a bunch of extra add ons.

@emilylulamay

overconsumption isn’t normal.. but neither am i! 🙈 #hoardersoftiktok #lmao #selfcarecollection #hygieneproducts #overconsumption #girlytips #fyp

♬ Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

Like, who is actually getting through that much product? One user literally commented on this video: “Don’t think I’ve ever even finished a product before buying a new one 🥲.”

Genuinely, nobody needs this amount of stuff. And the worst part is, the root of the issue is that it’s to gain popularity on TikTok. Overconsumption content, as you can see, does great things for engagement, meaning that the trend has skyrocketed in recent weeks. It doesn’t help that the TikTok shop means you don’t even have to leave the app in order to online shop: It really seems like there’s no end.

@thenicolelaur

This is for the girlies with a shopping addiction And no i don’t need all this stuff but i like it. #overconsumption #overconsumptioncore #shoppingaddict #makeupaddict #shoppingspree #newclothes #trend #fyp

♬ Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

The upcoming competitor: Underconsumption core

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Underconsumption core basically means using things until they’re worn out, like keeping the same pair of shoes until they break, using all of your skincare before buying new stuff, and upcycling broken items. It argues that the overconsumption core TikTok trend is damaging to not only the environment but to young people in a time where basic living expenses are already through the roof.

Many users, who wouldn’t consider themselves influencers, but instead normal people, are fighting back against this costly and environmentally damaging way of life by creating underconsumption core, its rival’s polar opposite. Underconsumption core is fighting back against the rampant capitalism and excessive spending that seems to plague Gen Z. The trend is also big on pre-loved and thrifted items (especially Vinted finds), so you can keep spending, but at a rate that doesn’t cost the earth.

@hope_zuckerbrow

love this trend🫶🏻

♬ original sound – speedz!

Many users agree that an average amount of product consumption is only strange and seems like living frugally when compared to the insane over-spending of people online. The extravagant purchases of influencers aren’t what we encounter in reality, and shouldn’t be normalised to the point where regular people are considered poor or sparing for only buying what they need.

One TikTok user commented: “This is so rare to see on social media but its literally the vast majority of peoples lives. Thank you so much for sharing 💓💓.”

A lot of commenters were even sharing their own experiences, such as: “My hair straightener was my older brothers exes I’ve had it since I was 5. I’m 21 😭.”

Another said: “We got a ‘hand me down’ TV from my dad. It’s one of those big heavy plasma ones that’s old but she works great and you can hook up a Roku or anything like that. It’s perfect lol.” Looks like you don’t need to break the bank after all.

Living in such an ad-ridden, consumerist society, it’s refreshing to see a TikTok trend that doesn’t require me to spend hundreds to get involved, and who knows, it might end up de-influencing our generation for the better.