A Study of Online Consumerism Trap among Youngers in the Context of Behavioral Economics

Abstract

The consumerism trap is a phenomenon where individuals fall into a state of unlimited pursuit of materialism with over-consumption. Merchants often use invisible marketing tactics in selling goods to encourage consumers to consume impulsively and to buy some unwanted products. By reading books and academic journals and conducting online and on-site surveys, this paper investigated the main reasons that lead teens to fall into the trap of consumerism. With documentary analysis, quantitative research and statistical analysis, this paper explores the causes and solutions of the consumerism trap among youngsters in Xicheng District and Haidian District of Beijing, and also provides readers with an understanding and application of herding effect, mere exposure effect and psychological account related to behavioral economics. This paper hopes that this research can help guide teenagers to be alert to the pitfalls of consumerism and consume rationally.