Is social media pushing consumerism way more than we realize?

Lately I’ve been noticing how much social media pushes this idea that you always need more — better skincare, better clothes, better everything. It feels like every scroll shows a new product or trend, and after a while it starts to blur the line between what you actually need and what you’re being influenced to want. It makes me wonder how much of this is real versus just constant marketing disguised as normal content.

My mom passed away in her 50s, but most people thought she was in her 30s or early 40s. Sometimes when she was with my sister, people even assumed they were sisters. She didn’t use a lot of products or follow trends — just lived a simple lifestyle. Then I see some relatives who are younger but seem to age faster, while constantly using skincare and trying new things. It makes me question whether all this consumption actually helps, or if lifestyle, stress, and overdoing things might have a bigger impact.

I’m not saying products don’t work at all, but it’s crazy how strongly everything is pushed online, like you need it to look good or stay young. Has anyone else felt this way or noticed something similar?