Armchair Economics - Capitalism, Consumerism, and Narcissism
Some people propose that today's youth and humans in general in this society comprise the most narcissistic, self-centered population the world has ever seen. On the other hand, some conclude that we are merely seeing a change or shift in norms and values over time. Many like to give humans the benefit of the doubt and assume the latter, when in fact the former is true. Needless to say, one of the main areas in which this selfishness and seeming narcissism can be seen is advertising. And not only can this selfishness be seen in advertising, but it is quite possible that the advertising itself inspires it. As an armchair economist, I believe some basic principles of economics and capitalism play a role as well.
Proponents of this generalized idea of an evolutionary shift of norms and values usually deny the presence of this apparent societal selfishness. Their seeming laziness encourages them to simply shove the issue aside, either to deal with it later (perhaps in future generations when it really becomes a problem) or not at all. Journalists like Raina Kelley, however, choose to take the road less traveled and observe the present-day fundamental facts of society to correctly conclude that this population is comprised of some of the most self-centered individuals the world has ever seen, suggesting that we are experiencing