For some people consumer goods have become the most important thing in life. Do the advantages of this development outweigh its disadvantages? (14 Feb 13/AC)

Sample Answer 1

It is materialistic world where money makes the mare go.  Certainly the present era is of show off, where every bird likes to show off its feather and I would say not for some rather for most of the individuals materialistic possessions are more precious than anything. It has to be seen if the brighter side of this dominates its darker one or not. 

On the brighter side, since the consumer goods have become a style statement, they bring respect to the person in the society. That is why people of all age groups could be seen hanging to the latest versions of consumer goods for instance mobiles and cars. Besides bringing the respect to the person, these also improve the quality of life. Life becomes more comfortable and luxurious.

On the darker side, when people become materialistic, they forget the moral and human values. They do not give any weight to any kind of relations. It has been observed that such people lead a socially alienated life and enjoy the company of things than the friends and relatives. They usually do not have emotions or feelings for others. In addition, when people become crazy, they tend to cut the coat without considering the length of the cloth they have. That is they tend to become extravagant. As a consequence their chances of getting carried away and indulge in antisocial activities rises too.

Eventually, it can be concluded that negative side outweighs its brighter. This development tends to make the people self centred. Such people will definitely have the comforts of life but not the peace of mind. There is no harm in desiring the things but doing so at the cost of ethics and morality is not good.

Sample Answer 2

Beyond any shred of doubt, it can be said that present era is of materialism. People thrive for materialistic possessions. The consumer durables like refrigerator, washing machines etcetera have starting ruling the people’s mind. This development brings both advantages and drawbacks and before offering my comments on the trend, I would like to present the facts associated with both.

On the brighter side, the quest for consumer goods boosts the economy and improves the living standards. According to the theories of economics, the urge to possess consumer durable makes a person work harder and demand of goods makes the industries to employ more people and this vicious circle strengthens economy of both the individual and society. The presence of these things, offer great comfort and decide the status of the person in the society.

As roses are accompanied with thorns, in the similar fashion; the desire for materialistic wants is not free from glitches. Urging for means beyond one’s financial ability/condition, leads to undue pressure and stress on the individual. People tend to become workaholic and getting deprived off of pleasures of family and society. They would start enjoying the company of things rather than people and become socially alienated leading to man social and behavioural problems. Last but not the least, when material goods start ruling one’s mind, he would not hesitate to employ illegitimate means to fulfil his desires.

Finally, considering the presented facts, it can be stated that the development of giving undue significance to consumer goods, definitely does more harm than doing good to the people. Hence, people should limit their desires according to their financial means and further should give due importance to the basic human values.

Sample Answer 3

In a world which is increasingly becoming materialistic, success is surely measured by the materials and money one has got. Hardly you'll find people appreciating success in terms of values and qualities. Anyone who owns high-priced things is a successful person, it doesn't matter how they got it. Corrupt politicians are regarded as successful people despite of the fact that they siphon off a huge sum of public money into their pockets. Even researchers have proved how, even women judge men by their wealth. Success is about what kind of consumer goods you own. However, it has to be evaluated whether this outlook has more advantages or limitations.

On the brighter side, giving consumer goods the utmost importance benefit both an individual and business. When people strive to have the possessions of the thing they do not posses, they work hard to increase their income offering more productivity. The increased demand of the product makes companies to employ more individuals, reducing the problem of unemployment. More employment and business opportunities further the economy. All these improve the quality of life.

Gone are the days when people  used to enjoy the company of their friends and relatives, now a days they want to lead a socially alienated life surrounded by machines where no can disturb them. People value goods more than relations. I opine that this development certainly does more harm than doing good. This not only leads to increased stress and psychological problems but may drift a person towards unethical means to achieve his goals.

Undoubtedly, the giving more importance to consumer goods is not what humanity teaches. By Comparing the presented facts, it can be envisioned that this development unquestionably poses more problems than benefits.