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Have you ever wondered why we all buy so much stuff? Well, I have. It doesn’t matter if you’re a subscription hoarder, a fashion addict, an new-iPhone fanatic, an aficionado of buy 3 get 1 free, a serial slipper-in adding an extra and very irrelevant item to the bag, and so on, we’re all guilty of the same thing—buying what we think we need, not realizing just how little, in fact, we need it.

Just look at how brands, their marketers and advertisers have nailed techniques to convince us to spend money, purchase things, and fuel the already prospering modern American consumerism. One online destination that takes this logic to a whole new level is the “Didn’t Know I Wanted That” subreddit.

According to the group’s description, “this subreddit is the perfect place to find all products you didn't know existed, but suddenly want, right after you've seen them!” With a whopping 1M members, the sub shares things that verge on the border of totally useless to somewhat genius, and it’s hard to tell which one is which.

To find out more about what’s going through our minds when we feel an urge to buy things we don’t need or don’t have money for, Bored Panda reached out to professor Michael R. Solomon who happily shared some insights into consumerism and our behavior in relation to it. Michael is a professor of marketing in the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph's University, as well as renowned international speaker and multiple book author. Check out his recent book “The New Chameleons: How to Connect with Consumers Who Defy Categorization” which gets into some of these issues discussed in the article.

#2

Also For Long Web Series, Movie Franchises And Zoom Meetings

Also For Long Web Series, Movie Franchises And Zoom Meetings

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Michael argues that in a typical day, consumers are exposed to thousands of commercial messages. “We don't pay attention to the vast majority of these, and we don't immediately act on most of them, either. However, some of this information still gets stored in memory, and it can be activated later if we encounter some kind of 'trigger event'—that could be the appearance of a new need or want, a conversation with a friend, or perhaps exposure to a similar message on another day,” he explained.

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Moreover, we don't buy until a need is activated, the consumerism expert said. “But today a lot of that activation is vicarious, as we watch online posts by others whose opinions we respect (rightly or wrongly) as they advocate use of a product or service. This activation may reflect a genuine need or want that we weren't aware of—or it could just be FOMO."

#5

Look Close.... I'm Hoping My Wife Won't Notice

Look Close.... I'm Hoping My Wife Won't Notice

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I Got New Playing Cards That Are Matte Black. Unless You’re Looking Directly At The Card, It's Basically Impossible To See What They Are

I Got New Playing Cards That Are Matte Black. Unless You’re Looking Directly At The Card, It's Basically Impossible To See What They Are

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Interestingly, the particular things we consume may reveal a lot about us. “There's a lot of research support for the notion that our purchases reflect our personalities and inner needs—an extravert may choose a flashier car or color than an introvert, for example,” Michael said.

He explained that indeed, “in many cases these products are part of 'the extended self'; important personal possessions and linkages to social groups like political parties or music subcultures are part of our self-concept. We have expressions like, 'you are what you wear, eat, drive, etc.' and there is a lot more truth to these than most people think! Our consumption choices—food, apparel, music, etc.—often are an expression of our values, priorities, and personalities.”

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#8

Just Gonna Leave This Here

Just Gonna Leave This Here

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first I was like, aww cute toe beans. That was until I saw the balls and b******e which gave me a good giggle.

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#9

Chameleon Tape Measure

Chameleon Tape Measure

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Auntriarch
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear heavens it's so obvious once you've seen it, why aren't they all like this?

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#10

My Husband’s Fully Reflective Iridescent Rain Set

My Husband’s Fully Reflective Iridescent Rain Set

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Vicky Zar
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the first sensible product here. … maybe a bit too much, but especially perfect for children. I‘m astounded it is not already a thing in Germany. In the winter it is still dark when kids go to school.

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But our urge to spend on particular things also depends on more profound things than just exterior influences, like the ads we see. This has to do with a person’s self-concept which, according to Michael, is a work in progress.

“It constantly gets fine-tuned, as we measure our worth or proficiency on different dimensions such as intellectual ability, athletic performance, body shape, etc. But these judgments can only occur if we compare ourselves to some standard—for example, my self-assessment of my skill as a tennis player depends a lot on whether I play a novice or a professional athlete.”

“That's why the process of social comparison is so important, Michael told us, “as is our choice of whom we compare ourselves to.”

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#13

I Dont Mean To Boast, But I Never Burn My Toast

I Dont Mean To Boast, But I Never Burn My Toast

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the coolest product I have seen. Where, how much (gulp), Need this. EDIT $50. https://www.homecrux.com/10-transparent-toasters-to-ensure-you-never-burn-your-toast-again/40213/

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However, he argues that the problem is that the media often provides a comparison point that is unattainable and so we're on a constant quest to get closer to a standard that may not even exist in real life. “For example, research shows that when young girls spend just a short time looking through pictures of women in fashion magazines, their assessments of their own appearance go down markedly. But typically the women they compare themselves to literally don't exist—they are digitally altered to be flawless so that the models don't even look like their photos!”

#14

Credit To Nic On Twitter. Nothing Gets Me Moving Faster Than That Awful Sound

Credit To Nic On Twitter. Nothing Gets Me Moving Faster Than That Awful Sound

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Auntriarch
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On a canal boat I thought I heard the dog widdling in the kitchen. Shot out of bed to see him having a big stretch. I still can't believe how much his claws scraping along a mosaic pattern vinyl floor sounded like a stream of widdle.

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#16

No More Squinting At The Measuring Cup Labels

No More Squinting At The Measuring Cup Labels

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Michael added that “again, social media exacerbates this process because a lot of it is about sharing a plethora of idealized images of attractive people doing glamorous things. Then that good old FOMO kicks in and we may invest in new items (cosmetics, clothing, travel, etc.) that we believe will bring us closer to this (impossible) ideal,” he concluded and added, “so the cycle continues…”

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#17

Leave Me Alone

Leave Me Alone

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DUN DUN (she/her)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can see my aunt returning and never coming back after this. Thank you!

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#18

I Saw This Pic On Fb, A Rocking Chair Built With Children In Mind

I Saw This Pic On Fb, A Rocking Chair Built With Children In Mind

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#21

I’d Buy This Just Cause Of The Packaging

I’d Buy This Just Cause Of The Packaging

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Na Schi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And they are good quality too. You can for example get them in Germany at Netto. (Though my first buy was clearly triggered because of the cuteness ^^)

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#23

Magnetic Goose, Peace Was Never An Option

Magnetic Goose, Peace Was Never An Option

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#24

This Is A Game Changer

This Is A Game Changer

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#27

My Shirt Has A Microfiber Sewn On The Inside To Clean Glasses

My Shirt Has A Microfiber Sewn On The Inside To Clean Glasses

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DUN DUN (she/her)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is pure genius. After destroying two lenses, this is a must for me now I guess

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#28

Forallthebooks That Haven't Been Read In 2020

Forallthebooks That Haven't Been Read In 2020

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Wubbleyew
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dunno about you people. It seems crazy to just stop reading before the end of a page

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#29

One For The Pranksters

One For The Pranksters

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Kate
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a black cat. She likes to stick her tail under the door, for some reason. I'd LOVE to get this and weird HER out for once! XD

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#31

Rook Tower Pack-Away Chess Set

Rook Tower Pack-Away Chess Set

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#32

This Faucet Gives You The Illusion That The Water Is Appearing Out Of Literally Nowhere!

This Faucet Gives You The Illusion That The Water Is Appearing Out Of Literally Nowhere!

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#33

This Is Ingenious

This Is Ingenious

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#34

I Want The Octopus Kites

I Want The Octopus Kites

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Davo gifman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you imagine seeing those on a real foggy day? The invasion of the Old ones has begun. 🥴

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#35

This Ceramic Mug

This Ceramic Mug

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Madison Feehan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to just casually place some of these around and see who falls for it.

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#36

I Like To Make Art Out Of Playing Cards. This Took Over 20 Suicide Kings All Cut With An Xacto

I Like To Make Art Out Of Playing Cards. This Took Over 20 Suicide Kings All Cut With An Xacto

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#37

Switzerland Has Mini Jacuzzi Boats

Switzerland Has Mini Jacuzzi Boats

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MyOpinionHasBeenServed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everytime I hear about Switzerland it's something amazing that gives me more reasons to have it on my bucket list.

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#38

Printed A Sisyphus Statue To Push My Tp Up A Shelf For All Eternity

Printed A Sisyphus Statue To Push My Tp Up A Shelf For All Eternity

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#39

Mini Whacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man

Mini Whacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man

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#42

An Inflatable Water Chill Place

An Inflatable Water Chill Place

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jem3 avatar
Lingon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you can float out to sea together with your friends...

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cugel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inflate in 5 hours, deflates in 30 min, used once.

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Jasmine
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So mich plastic! An when there's just a teeny tiny hole in it..

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Raphael Biock
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy who had to fill this with the air of his lungs is not in the picture... anymore.

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Bryan W.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That thing would last exactly one outing with actual humans.

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Danielle Murphy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that looks like a nightmare to walk across. "whoops! there goes your drinks and chess game, my fine people!"

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Mary Peace
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of the chess pieces have drowned already. ( Hope they weren't from that set we just saw!)

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Loggers Ink
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live on a canal on The Gold Coast, Australia and I absolutely need this in my life immediately.

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Catherine Brady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

O wonder how the lady with the drink got on there without spilling it?

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YHZ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actually some intensely clever engineering!

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Colin Swan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think in the middle that's a place to lay down but they have it set up for beer pong

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Luther von Wolfen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really want these people to be floating on that haunted lake in Georgia.

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K K
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cool looking, but it seems you'd be stuck in whatever chair you were in when you launched out into the water - otherwise, you might tip everyone over!

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Mark Waugaman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this! Do they make them without fashion models? I'm kinda round.

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it doesn't have to be on the water . . . yard maybe? On the beach? Now I have to find 4 friends ready at the same time . . .

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advice5cents
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Base, we're seeing 7 drunk bros drifting 2 miles off the coast. Should we initiate rescue?" "Negative. Avoid eye contact. Repeat. Avoid eye contact."

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Wood Carver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad... Purple.... I'll have this thing.... Wheeze.... Blown up .... In no time

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Monika Lachova
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can imagine kids jumping around making the whole thing flip :D

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#43

Wheelchair Made For Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740

Wheelchair Made For Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740

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Otter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are those pearls? Real, humongous, pearls that are practically glowing?

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#44

Who Doesn't Need A Nachosaurus?

Who Doesn't Need A Nachosaurus?

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#45

Didn't Know They Made These Huge Shower/Bathtubs In The First Place

Didn't Know They Made These Huge Shower/Bathtubs In The First Place

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Na Schi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like a modern version of the one in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather movie ;)

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#46

Built-In Water Pitcher

Built-In Water Pitcher

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Elise McFarland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have that fridge. The pitcher grows mold if you don't use it all the time.

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#47

The Only Time I Wanna See Morpheous In A Bathroom

The Only Time I Wanna See Morpheous In A Bathroom

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#48

Another Great Use Of Storage Space Under The Stairs

Another Great Use Of Storage Space Under The Stairs

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#49

I Don't Know Why This Exists But I Need One Right Now

I Don't Know Why This Exists But I Need One Right Now

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Davo gifman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you imagine buying this online, and when it arrives you find out that it's just large enough...to fit over your finger! ☹️😳😡

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#52

Do You Want Coffee ?

Do You Want Coffee ?

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Note: this post originally had 85 images. It’s been shortened to the top 52 images based on user votes.