The term lifestyle was first used by Alfred Adler in 1929 and later popularised by Max Weber. In his book, The Science of Living, Adler wrote about trees and how the same type of tree exhibits two different lifestyles. He argued that a tree’s lifestyle reflected how it molds itself to its environment.
Conceptualizing lifestyle
The benefits of conceptualizing a lifestyle include reducing health risks and promoting overall wellness. Typical lifestyle rituals include physical activity, dietary modification, and cessation of alcohol and drugs. But other elements of our lifestyles also play an important role in promoting our well-being. In particular, fundamental aspects of our work, play, and love may contribute to our overall health and wellness.
Impact of social media on lifestyles
Recent studies have shown that a person’s exposure to social media can affect their lifestyles and health in numerous ways. For example, people can develop social networks with people who share common interests, such as hobbies, and share information on their networks. They can also use social media as a means of fostering relationships.
A recent study conducted by a psychologist at San Diego State University found that high school seniors headed for college spent about an hour less time in person socializing on social media than they did in the late 1980s. While this decline was largely associated with increased use of digital media, a large proportion of young people said they experienced more loneliness while using social media.
Social media can also cause people to be overly attached to their accounts. They may find it difficult to disconnect from their accounts and even feel rejected if someone unfollows them. Many social media sites aim to keep their users on their sites for as long as possible to view advertisements and content. To keep their users on their sites, they create addictive environments. Furthermore, some social media apps have become addictive, and users may be addicted to them.
Problems with consumerist lifestyles
Consumerist lifestyles are popular and widely accepted, but they come with a price. The costs of consumerism are much larger than the benefits, and it can also negatively affect the quality of life for humans and other species. Some researchers are investigating the relationship between materialistic values and our attitudes towards the environment. Others are exploring the impact of consumerism on our collective psyche. Psychotherapists such as Robert Kanner, co-editor of Psychology and Consumer Culture, are citing examples that illustrate the negative effects of consumer culture.
Consumerism can also lead to high levels of debt, resulting in mental health issues. Many people find themselves in a constant state of stress from trying to keep up with the latest trends. They also spend less time with their families and friends. This lack of time with loved ones is detrimental to their health. Furthermore, the pursuit of material goods does not lead to lasting satisfaction, which is the ultimate goal of life.
