Chrystal Hurst argues that scrolling, shopping, and binge-watching are often ways we try to fill emotional holes like loneliness or stress. She cites Dave Ramsey's warning about buying things to impress people we don't know, and suggests identifying what you're really seeking before you consume.
Consumption isn't just about money. It's about the way you filled your mind, your time, your closet, and your soul. It's about constantly taking things in and rarely slowing down to ask why. So when you're scrolling late at night, filling your online cart, and you still feel empty or stressed, particularly when you get the bill, listen, that was consumption at work. Dave Ramsey says we buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't know, or even like if we do know them. Consumption often masks a deeper need: loneliness, stress, fear of missing out, belonging. So if you find yourself in the bed scrolling or watching Netflix all weekend, what did that take the place of? Well, what did that take the place of? I know you enjoyed it, but what was the root of that? Were you bored? Were you, were you lonely? Sometimes we shop, we eat, we consume because of boredom. What is it telling you about the hole in your soul? We all have a hole. So when you're filling it not correctly, ask yourself, what is the hole that I'm filling? What is it? And then you can choose to fill it another way.
