This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The Diderot Effect: How Consumption Has Evolved
Ever bought a new phone? Then you buy a new case and a screen protector?
Even though all of these are things we need to keep our phones in mint condition, it’s still a perfect example of the Diderot Effect.
We do this all the time.
We’ve been taught that combos are better than single items:
Burger, fries, shake
Suit, tie, watch, shoes
Couch, pillow, blanket, rug
New job, new clothes, new hair
New house, new furniture, new paint, new comforter, new car
First day of school, new clothes, new shoes, new backpack
Most of the extra stuff we buy is not worth much and is a waste of our time (hours spent working to earn money) and money (resources that could be invested).
The next time you go to buy one thing and end up with a basket of things, pause and wait 48 hours before you execute the purchase on the other junk.
The longer we wait to buy things, the less likely we are to make the purchase.
Are You In Debt?
If you’re already up to your knees in personal debt, the last thing you need to invest in is accumulating more debt on pointless things. I know it can be tough to delay a purchase – especially after you wait a full 48 hours, weeks, or months and still desire the item.
Consumers are making the rich more prosperous because we don’t know how to stop consuming. We’re addicted consumers. We got to buy something every day or think of buying something every day.
Quit buying. And quit buying in combos. Start buying more single item purchases and taking a pause whenever you’re thinking of buying multiple items.
I love James Clear’s recommendation: Whenever you’re spending over $100, wait 48 hours to execute the purchase to ensure it makes sense for your budget.
If we spent more time thinking about purchases, we could eradicate much of our mindless spending habits.
The next time you want just a burger and fries and the cashier asks you if you want to make it a combo, decline. Get used to buying what you intend to buy versus what you’re suggested to buy.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.