Materialism has deeply infiltrated the lives of young people, shaping their aspirations, behaviours, and self-worth. In an era dominated by consumer culture, social media, and the relentless pursuit of status, the youth often find themselves trapped in a cycle of material desires. This obsession with wealth and possessions is not only reshaping their priorities but also affecting their mental well-being, relationships, and overall purpose in life.

The Mask of Joy: When Happiness Isn’t Real

Many young individuals believe that owning the latest gadgets, designer clothes, or expensive cars will bring them happiness and social validation. However, materialism often leads to dissatisfaction. Studies suggest that the more people chase material wealth, the less content they feel. The endless cycle of wanting more creates a sense of emptiness, as true fulfillment comes from experiences, personal growth, and relationships rather than possessions. Nowadays people are superficially happy with fake smiles. We see many students after failing to get government Job travel to gulf countries leaving their families. Though they earn hefty amounts of money, but internally they are anxious. I saw a father shrieking because his only son is not come more than a decade from England.

The Digital Illusion

Social media plays a significant role in fueling materialism among the youth. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat constantly expose young minds to a world where success is measured by expensive clothes, luxury vacations, and branded products. Influencers and celebrities showcase a glamorous lifestyle, making material wealth seem like the ultimate goal. This creates pressure among young people to keep up, often leading to financial stress, insecurities, and even unethical behaviours to afford such a lifestyle. Generation Z nowadays are big fans of vlogging. Suppose they see a person in a pool of blood, rather helping him they will go for live streaming for likes and comments to monetise their social media accounts. This is moral decay because of addiction of Money earning.

The Unseen Battle

The obsession with material wealth is linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Constantly comparing oneself with others on social media or in real life creates feelings of inadequacy. Young people who tie their self-worth to material success struggle with identity crises, leading to emotional distress and a lack of self-acceptance. Many people I have seen who are brand-obsessed, they walk and talk only brands. Materialistic competition have made them Soliloquist.

Emotional Distance in a Connected World

Materialism affects how young people form relationships. Many friendships and social circles become transactional, based on status and financial benefits rather than genuine bonds. The pressure to appear successful can also lead to dishonesty, pretentious behavior, and even family conflicts, as youth prioritize material pursuits over meaningful connections. Many couples always quarrel because of these brands. May be the demand is beyond the income. There is fidgety between children and parents. Even our society is responsible, suppose a girl is Government employed, she will never prefer an unemployed guy to marry her. Similarly most of the employed boys prefer to marry an employed girl.

Chained by Loans

Many young individuals fall into the trap of overspending to maintain a luxurious lifestyle. Credit cards, loans, and easy access to online shopping encourage excessive spending beyond their means. This results in financial instability, debt burdens, and a lack of savings for essential future needs like education, housing, and healthcare. We often see this culture is skyrocketing in our society. I have seen so many people who are well off but still in debt burden because of keeping up with others

Moral and Spiritual Decay

When materialism dominates a young person’s mindset, ethical and spiritual values often take a backseat. Greed, dishonesty, and selfishness can overshadow principles like empathy, gratitude, and integrity. The desire for quick success leads some to unethical shortcuts, including fraud, corruption, and deception. Moreover, spiritual fulfillment, which brings inner peace, is often ignored in favour of external validation. I have vast number of examples in my society, where people don’t go for Hajj in young age, because they accept bribes in different forms. When asked, they don’t hesitate that they will repent in the age of 60’s and then go for Hajj. Similarly, many people go for big House loans, Personal loans, Auto loans etc because of competition after they see their cousins and friends have skyscrapers and Mercedes. Although, they know Loan is prohibited in Islam,as one of the biggest sin. But it is mandatory evil for them because of Materialism.

Disrupted Tranquillity

Materialism has deeply impacted the younger generation, disrupting their inner peace and contentment. The constant pursuit of luxury, branded goods, and social validation through material possessions creates anxiety, dissatisfaction, and an endless cycle of comparison. Instead of finding joy in experiences, relationships, and self-growth, many young people equate happiness with acquiring more. This mindset leads to stress, loss of gratitude, and emotional emptiness.

Breaking Free from Materialism

To rescue the youth from the clutches of materialism, society must encourage:

Mindfulness and Gratitude

Teaching young people to appreciate what they have rather than constantly chasing more. SAADGIEY GAEY SHAHZAAD GIEY (Simplicity is graceful elegance)

Financial Education

Instilling responsible spending habits and the value of saving for the future.

Stronger Values and Purpose

Encouraging focus on personal growth, meaningful relationships, and ethical living.

Digital Awareness

Reducing dependency on social media validation and recognizing its unrealistic portrayals of life.

Parental and Educational Guidance

Parents and educators must emphasize values beyond material wealth and provide real-life role models who inspire purpose-driven lives.

Turn towards the teachings of Al Quran

The Quran teaches that materialism is a temporary illusion that distracts people from their true purpose. It emphasizes that wealth and worldly possessions should not become an obsession, as they do not bring lasting peace or fulfillment. Instead, the Quran encourages gratitude, generosity, and a focus on the Hereafter. True success lies in spiritual growth and righteousness, not in accumulating material wealth. By shifting our priorities from material gains to moral and spiritual values, we can attain inner peace and a meaningful life.

Final Thought

Materialism is a powerful force shaping today’s youth, often leading them down a path of dissatisfaction, stress, and superficiality. However, by promoting awareness, strong values, and a balanced approach to life, young people can break free from this trap and find true happiness in self-worth, relationships, and meaningful achievements.

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