If you’ve spent time scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen a video or two of a new wave of content focused on cutting back, decluttering, and saying no to excessive consumerism. 

While minimalism was popular in past years, de-influencing takes a different approach. Rather than simply reducing possessions, it challenges the urge to consume driven by social media and advertising pressures. De-influencing asks us to reconsider the need to keep up with trends and the toll excessive consumption takes on our mental health, self-worth, and the environment.

Unlike minimalism, which often centers on decluttering and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces, de-influencing targets the underlying drivers of overconsumption, promoting more thoughtful, intentional choices that break free from the cycle of always wanting more.

In today’s post, we’ll dive deeper into the concept of de-influencing and share practical steps to embrace this mindset yourself.

What’s Underconsumption All About?

Underconsumption is a lifestyle choice that has been gaining popularity lately and prioritizes using and buying less. It demands you to focus on quality over quantity and make intentional decisions. Unlike the flashy “haul” culture we often see online, it motivates you to find joy in what you already have and choose purpose over impulse. On platforms like TikTok, some de-influencing creators highlight the positive impact this can have on our wallets, mental health, and the planet.

How to Start!

Pause Before You Buy: Take a breath the next time you see a “must-have” item on your feed and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”. Implementing a 30-day wait rule is a great idea to stop impulse buying.

Decluttering Challenges: From the “30-Day Minimalism Game” to weekend closet purges, some creators are inspiring their followers to let go of what no longer serves them and donate or recycle responsibly.

Choose Experiences Over Things: Many users are documenting their shift from spending on material items to investing in experiences, traveling to a place you’ve always wanted to, even if close to home, taking new classes or workshops, or spending quality time with friends and loved ones. The goal is to generate less clutter while creating more memories.

Sustainable Swaps: some influencers are also sharing ways to make underconsumption chic, like investing in high-quality, long-lasting basics, upcycling, or choosing reusable items over disposables.

The Real Benefits

Underconsumption doesn’t just declutter your space. It can help you clear your mind and improve your well-being. It’s about feeling lighter, saving money, and making choices that reflect your values. And with so many creators sharing their authentic struggles and wins, it’s easy to feel inspired to try a little underconsumption yourself.

Remember, underconsumption isn’t a boring trend! It’s a rebellion against a “more is more” mentality. It’s about finding what truly matters, enjoying what you have, and challenging yourself to say “no” to what doesn’t. So next time you see a viral trend, remember: less might just be more! 

Have you ever been influenced by any underconsumption videos?