Understanding Consumption and Luxury Addiction

This chapter is dedicated to a detailed analysis of consumer and luxury addiction. A distinction is made between compulsive consumption as an individual coping strategy and luxury consumption as a means of social distinction. While consumer addiction is often characterized by impulsive purchasing decisions and emotional regulation, luxury consumption in many cases serves external status demonstration and symbolic self-presentation. Psychological mechanisms such as dopamine release during the act of purchasing or social comparison dynamics are explained. It is also shown how advertising and social media systematically manipulate consumer behavior to intensify the pursuit of new goods and a prestigious lifestyle. The effects of these mechanisms range from individual financial strain to ecological consequences.