User:Paula Sillers/Overconsumption

Overconsumption, from an environmental standpoint, is the overuse of natural resources leading to the eventual loss of resource bases. In the context of a consumeristic society, overconsumption is the excessive use of material goods to experience feelings of fulfillment and joy. Overconsumption also refers to increased consumption patterns of food and nutrition resulting in obesity. The term overconsumption is controversial and does not have a single unifying definition. It is too difficult to determine a standard sustainable capacity of consumption because not all individuals require the same amount of resources, and this creates contradicting definitions of overconsumption. In addition to individuals, different regions around the world have higher capacities for consumption patterns based on their available resources.

Consumerism
Industrialization drove manufacturers to the mass production of standardized products creating a continuous surplus of goods for consumers. Mass production creates a proliferation of products, which involves producing multiple variations of the same product. The continuous production of goods drives consumers to buy excess amounts of goods and services. Mass production, distribution and surplus of goods create extreme amounts of waste which over time threatens the sustainability of the environment.

The recent digitalization of goods and processes is another catalyst for overconsumption. Online environments have driven overconsumption through the convenience of online shopping, ubiquitous advertisements and portable digital devices. Technology drives consumption patterns by making advertising the key to consumption. Online content and advertisements intentionally create socially constructed perceptions that make individuals believe they need certain products and services. Advertisers are successful at influencing individual consumption decisions because of personalized advertisements that drive sufficiency‐oriented consumption by avoiding hostile marketing tactics.