this post was submitted on 07 Nov 2023
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I would argue that a lot of consumption, at least in "developed" nations, is driven by artificial demand. Some examples: the tobacco industry, the invention of "halitosis," bottled water, planned obsolescence. So much of what we produce doesn't raise, and often lowers, quality of life. Having to meet these levels of demand is deleterious directly and indirectly; being overworked and living in a polluted environment also lowers quality of life.
But that's not really the point. Viewing quality of life as identical to consumption is pathological and borderline offensive. If you want to increase your quality of life, spend more time with your friends, family, and neighbors. Create in ways that inspire you. Rest and relax. Spend more time in the moment. Go outside and visit nature. Volunteer and give back to others. There is so much more to being human than having the latest phone.
I absolutely agree about artificial demand, especially in situations of addiction or mental trickery. So I think those should be regulated.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, when you reduce someone else's consumption, you're saying you know better than them what is good for them. That can often be the case, like in gambling, scams, addiction, and a lot of marketing. But it can be dangerous if you don't actually know better than them what's best for them, but think you do.
I guess consumption is a bad word for it. Those activities you mention still have an opportunity cost associated with them, but you're right, they shouldn't really be called consumption. Let's say allocating your effort? People usually know themselves better than someone else how they can allocate their effort for their own good. Limiting how they can do that should only be done when you're pretty sure you know better than them what's good for them.