Samridhii Shukla reflects on the increasing pressure to buy more than we need and how social media intensifies impulsive spending.
She urges people, especially the younger generation, to pause, think, and choose consciously for their mental well-being and the planet.
In a world driven by trends, fast-paced living, and constant digital influence, buying habits have changed dramatically, especially among the younger generation. Actress Samridhii Shukla, currently seen in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, opens up about the emotional, social, and environmental consequences of excessive consumerism, urging people to slow down and make more mindful choices.
Speaking about whether society subtly pushes people into unnecessary buying, Samridhii says, “I really feel we’re pushed to buy more than we truly need. Everywhere you look, something is telling you that you need this new product to feel better. And because life is so fast now, people don’t pause before spending.” She adds that this constant pressure blurs the line between needs and wants.
When the conversation moves to the influence of digital platforms, Samridhii acknowledges how drastically things have changed. She says, “Social media has completely changed the way people shop. Earlier, you would forget an ad. Now you see the same thing on your phone ten times in a day. And when influencers show it, you trust it more.” This repeated exposure, she says, creates urgency and directly shapes spending patterns.
Samridhii also stresses the emotional impact of impulsive buying. “Buying gives a quick happiness, but it fades fast,” she shares, adding, “Then people start buying again to fill that empty feeling. It affects mental health because you start linking your worth to what you own.”
To help people find clarity in the midst of constant marketing pressure, she suggests a simple yet powerful habit. She says, “Just pause and ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ Even waiting one day before buying helps. If the feeling stays, then maybe it matters.”
Environmental concerns, she notes, are another growing reason to rethink consumption. She says, “Fast buying and fast throwing is hurting the planet, and we need to slow down before the damage becomes irreversible.”
Believing that change is possible, she adds,
“It’s not easy, but it’s possible. Small steps like avoiding impulsive shopping make a big difference.”
Looking ahead with optimism, Samridhii says the next generation can lead the shift toward mindful living. “If we teach them early about mindful buying and sustainability, they will make better choices. Young people learn quickly when they know the real impact,” she concludes.
