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What is considered normal highly depends on society’s view on it. Once high heels were a shoe that only wealthy men wore and now traditionally only women wear them. In some cultures, more fat on one’s body is associated with being wealthy as it means the person has money to feed themselves, but in other cultures, a lean body is the ideal of beauty.

This is the case with most aspects of our lives. But that means that people sometimes start to normalize things that are not the most healthy for their mind or body. Feeling like you have to be on your phone and always available, buying the newest technology or just craving sugar all the time have become necessities, but they are actually addictions, according to some people on Reddit who joined a thread started by Morticiar who asked “What is an addiction society pretends is a necessity?”

This thread got almost 45k upvotes in just a day and over 24k people wanted to join the conversation. They made some good points and challenged each other to think about what things people are addicted to that they don’t even realize are bad as they see them as necessities. We would like to know what you have to say on the topic, so we are looking forward to reading your comments!

More info: Reddit

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Obsessing over celebrities’ personal lives….

I don’t give a f**k who’s dating who, who had a baby, who got divorced, etc., and I don’t understand why anyone else does.

luongolet20goalsin , Eva Rinaldi Report

Final score:
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#2

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions And expensive weddings! That s**t is not normal.

Imonlyhappywhenit , Jonathan Day Report

Final score:
269points
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Beezel Palomar
Beezel Palomar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are invited to a wedding in a few months(wife's cousin), and we have to spend on at least, new clothes for her, me and our kid, transportation, as it is out of state, hotel room for at least two nights, gift of course. But yeah, thanks for the invite....

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#3

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Mom culture. The idea that "mommy needs wine" all the time. Dragging down moms that don't agree with you. And as someone who is childless currently, the idea that we are NOT allowed to speak to you and offer any kind of advice because "you don't have children". I literally gave a new mom ideas on how to help her baby with gas (after dealing with it with my niece for a while) and she told me she didn't WANT my input because I don't have kids.

But the mommy needs wine culture really bothers me.

doborion90 , Tim Patterson Report

Final score:
249points
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#4

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Alcohol! I’m so tired of people telling me I’m not living my life cause I don’t drink.

Kuesadilla_kush , Karl Baron Report

Final score:
233points
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Luther von Wolfen
Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alcoholism is actually an addiction. Everything else I've seen so far is just habitual behavior. People don't have seizures or heart failure when deprived of access to social media.

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#5

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Filtered photos have become the norm. It needs to stop

Aggravating-s***e696 , littlebaileypoo Report

Final score:
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Who Panda 420
Who Panda 420
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kind of filter is cute and adorable and there's nothing wrong with it. But I do agree on body enhancing ones that make you look not even real. That's why it's a hard thing to live up to

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#6

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions social media

this1is4thechampions , magicatwork Report

Final score:
219points
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#7

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Having to upgrade your electronics every couple of years

MastResort , CEBIT AUSTRALIA Report

Final score:
214points
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mulk
mulk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not really upgrade, but completely change (throw away and buy a new one)

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#8

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Working overtime and doing more work than the job description entails

Konane_ , José David Leiva Report

Final score:
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maylin_martinsen avatar
May
May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are workaholics, sure, but this is more about unhealthy work cultures, than addictions, I think

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#9

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Buying presents for each other all the time. Valentines, christmas, birthday, anniversary, new job etc etc.

Stop buying people s**t that they wouldnt buy themself.

rgtong , Mike_fleming Report

Final score:
192points
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loopyli
loopyli
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people who will go broke to buy Christmas presents for family members. Gifting is just thinly disguised consumerism, wrapped in guilt.

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#10

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Women beauty trends. Regularly getting nails done, eyelashes done, hair dyed and cut, and all the makeup and skin care products you need for your 12 step skincare routine. Yeah, it’s nice to take care of yourself or treat yourself. And hygiene is for sure important. But you shouldn’t have to go every few weeks and drop tons of money to feel pretty cause that’s what society says. And you don’t need endless products either.

CoffeeandCynicism__ , Phillip Pessar Report

Final score:
183points
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TrixicBird(Any pronouns)
TrixicBird(Any pronouns)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people do it because they like to and that's fine, whats not is doing it because you feel ugly without it.

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#11

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions relationships.. it is okay to be alone

thrivingandstriving , Wyatt Fisher Report

Final score:
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#12

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions tik tok.. prove me worng

Mirtheapostle , ajay_suresh Report

Final score:
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#13

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Cell phones. Constantly having it nearby, checking it all the time, having to be available 24/7 in case someone tries to contact you.

As someone who has this addiction, it's really not healthy and adds a lot of unnecessary stress to my life.

triangularbish , Michael Coghlan Report

Final score:
150points
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Memere
Memere
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I make sure I have my phone with me when I go out of the house, in case of accident or emergency, but I can't stand the thought of being tied to it. Most of the time it's sitting on the kitchen counter or my nightstand!

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#14

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Consumerism

Fluffy_giEnt , Karl Baron Report

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#15

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Some people are addicted to comparing their lives to others when they should really strive to be the best they can be. Trying to outperform others leads to endless frustration, but trying to outperform yourself leads to true improvement.

BlossomtheMare , Jenavieve Report

Final score:
130points
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maylin_martinsen avatar
May
May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why people get issues from Instagram - they're comparing themselves to what they see on that (famously filled with fakes) platform. The whole 'it's not fair that they have more/look better/whatever' attitude is also very bad for the soul

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#16

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Working oneself to death

Much_Ad470 , pjmorse Report

Final score:
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#17

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions MrGlen456 said:

Sugar

noblechimp84 added:

Completely unnoticed. So much sugar in things people just don't expect or check. Thinking of sugar as a drug has helped me enjoy it more responsibly.

MrGlen456 , lazy fri13th Report

Final score:
119points
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maylin_martinsen avatar
May
May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is much worse in the US than in Europe. I mean, why is there sugar in the bread?

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#18

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions The entire (side) hustle culture. I understand the need/desire and do it myself too. But I find it insane that we need to monetize almost every waking moment.

wert989 , Seth Werkheiser Report

Final score:
115points
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Otter
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes a side hack is a good thing, I'm currently trying to turn my side hack into a full-time job. In a world where sensible people hesitate to quit one job before lining up another, or to change careers without doing a hell of a lot of groundwork, the side hack can be more than an attempt to monetize every waking moment, it can be a way to transition into a great big life change.

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#19

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions 24hr cable news

Imonlyhappywhenit , futureatlas.com Report

Final score:
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#20

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions trying to look the best on social media. I dont get it and never will

gabrielz85 , Vladimir Pustovit Report

Final score:
104points
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Sir Tarsier
Sir Tarsier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ultimate flex is having an awesome life and no social media presence. You're not meant to spend your life living vicariously through others!

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#21

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Shopping

This addiction is actually a medically recognized addiction with it’s own name – Oniomania.

xaven10 , Annie Mole Report

Final score:
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#22

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Constant profit. Its called greed, and not only unnecessary but is extremely dangerous. It is not sustainable.

ekhfarharris , Free photo on UkrMedia Report

Final score:
100points
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#23

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions The lotto. It’s really fun to imagine what you would do if you won. If you’re not blowing tons of money on it. That could be worth it right there. But it’s so expensive, and your chances are like .00001 of winning something you can retire with.

HayRiver12 , Lee Report

Final score:
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#24

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Being too connected to friends or social media, you don't need to be constantly on your phone and stopping what you are doing every 5 minutes to look at your phone.

AChaoticPrince , Graeme Paterson Report

Final score:
87points
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#25

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Fast/unhealthy food.

stay-gold_ponyboy , Jorge Franganillo Report

Final score:
85points
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krisdargan avatar
Who Panda 420
Who Panda 420
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It used to be all you could afford. Now it's the same price as a restaurant!

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#26

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Cars. At least American society.

Most countries in the developed world don't use them nearly as much, and are considered some of the best places to live in the world.

Americans are unhealthily obsessed with car culture.

SwordofMine , Reshma Muralitharan Report

Final score:
75points
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Eat Dirt Crow
Eat Dirt Crow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Problem is our entire infrastructure is revolved around cars. The streets, the gas stations, the highways, and the parking lot. All for cars. To put in effective public transportation would be cost prohibitive. Plus, we complain when they have road work to put in another lane(don't get me started on how this doesn't help) can you imagine the uproar of all the roadwork to put in a light rail?

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#27

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions 5 day work week

evieoroblah , jrsnchzhrs Report

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

I'm confused - what does this have to do with addiction?

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#28

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions "You gotta be a doctor!!" - Lots more jobs and fields that make more than doctors..

Key_Ad_6455 , Army Medicine Report

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PlantMan2112
PlantMan2112
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus unless you’re a specialist, you’re not making great money in the grand scheme of traditionally profitable careers. Never mind malpractice insurance.

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#29

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions GDP. Everyone act as if GDP must goes up every year. And everyone act as like an ever increasing GDP benefits them when they need to work harder to afford the same standard of living.

StrikingExcitement79 , Antony Stanley Report

Final score:
64points
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M O'Connell
M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not even that, just using GDP as a measure of economic success.

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#30

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Staying up late and waking up early

Superstickman87 , Tim Samoff Report

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#31

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Getting stuff delivered ASAP!

macaronsforeveryone , Tony Webster Report

Final score:
56points
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Blue Purple
Blue Purple
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well if its delivered later, ill realize i dont even really want it, we cant have that now can we???

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#32

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Diet

karensusanfathima , stu_spivack Report

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

Well, I would say not eating a healthy, well balanced diet, but fad diets

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#33

33 Things Society Has Made Us Believe Are “Necessities” But People In This Online Group Argue They Are Addictions Caffeine

WackyTabbacy42069 , Steven Miller Report

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

I need my fix of good ol' café to function well...yes I admit that.

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