Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "Recognizing the Diderot effect in everyday life", the main reason why I chose this topic is because many people experience the Diderot effect phenomenon, Many people don't understand what the Diderot effect is, so I'll try to explain it, the Diderot Effect is a term in consumer psychology and lifestyle that describes the phenomenon where someone buys or owns a new item, which then triggers a desire to buy other items to match or harmonize with the first item.
Origin of the story
The term originates from Denis Diderot, an 18th-century French philosopher, who wrote an essay titled "Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown." In his writing, Diderot recounts how after receiving a luxurious new robe, he felt his old belongings looked shabby, so he purchased various new items to match it.
Examples in everyday life:
✅Buying a new smartphone, then wanting to buy a case, earphones, or smartwatch to match.
✅Buying a new sofa, then feeling the carpet, table, and wall paint need to be changed to "match."
✅Changing your clothing style, then feeling your shoes, bag, and even your hairstyle need to match.
Impact
Positive: Can increase the comfort or beauty of the environment.
Negative: Triggers overspending due to purchasing unnecessary items.
Here are practical ways to avoid the Diderot Effect and avoid overspending:
1. Be Aware of Your Main Triggers
Every time you want to buy something new, ask yourself: "Does this trigger other desires that I don't really need?"
✅Example: Buying new clothes → wanting to buy additional shoes, bags, or accessories.
2. Establish Function, Not Style
Focus on functional needs rather than appearance or trends.
✅For example: "I need a desk for work, not one to match my new sofa."
3. Use the 24-Hour Principle
✅Delay additional purchases for 24 hours. Often, the impulsive urge will subside on its own.
4. Create a Special Budget
✅Separate budgets for essential needs and lifestyle needs.
If your lifestyle budget runs out, postpone the purchase until the next period.
5. Keep Old Items That Are Still Suitable
✅Remember that old items aren't automatically "bad" just because they're new.
Get into the habit of thinking: "This item still works; I don't have to replace everything."
6. Use a Shopping Checklist
✅Write a list before shopping, and be disciplined about only buying what's on the list.
If additional items appear that aren't on the list, postpone them.