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

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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:

308points

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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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#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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#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:

233points

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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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#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:

196points

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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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#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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#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:

172points

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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:

167points

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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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#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

Final score:

144points

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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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#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:

122points

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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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#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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#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:

108points

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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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#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:

102points

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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:

94points

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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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#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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#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

Final score:

71points

May 2 years ago

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

24points

Julie C Rose 2 years ago

There are certain comments that are guaranteed to get upvotes on Reddit regardless of whether they actually fit the thread. This is one of them.

12points

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$copper-fractions avatar$

Tiny Dynamine 2 years ago

It's the routine of doing it all your life. It's like an addiction that you didn't want to start.

1point

Mary Rose Kent 2 years ago

A lot of people are addicted to their jobs? It’s the only thing I can think of.

1point

ghost 2 years ago (edited)

Workaholics are addicted to working and work almost nonstop

0points

Kendra Miller 2 years ago

Four day work week! 1 day to clean and do chores, 1 day to see family and friends, 1 day to rest. The 5 day work week was designed when men worked and women stayed home to cook, clean and look after the family. The idea was 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep and 8 hours to do with what you will. Times have changed, and nobody who works full-time has 8 hours of leisure time.

6points

Tobias the Tiger 2 years ago

I like the idea that weekends should be 3 days and the week should have 4 days. I recently had a 3 day weekend and I came back from it wishing every weekend was like that.

2points

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1010011 1001110 2 years ago

You just described school

2points

Chloe 2 years ago

they should totally switch it to a 5 day weekend 😂

1point

Kim Contreras 2 years ago

Farmers - who provide your dinner- have a seven day work week. When I started working a 'regular' job I was totally amazed about how much free time I had and how many people complained about working so much.

0points

Brian Bennett 2 years ago

One must do what one must do I personally never had a 5 day work week in my life!

0points

RoseAnne Hutchence 2 years ago

What's with the anti-work undercurrent? We want stuff (a roof over our heads, food on our tables, clothes to wear) and none of that is free. Job = income = ablility to pay our own way (and not rely on the social system).

0points

dev mehta 2 years ago

4 days x 10 hours is more sensible

0points

Frankenfrog 2 years ago

Or just not working 40 hours as much work can be done in less hours and more efficiently

1point

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Courtney Lunsford 2 years ago

As opposed to working everyday? The 5 day work week it actually cut down from what used to be a 6 day work week. Is someone seriously complaining about something that got better?

0points

Agreaterevil 2 years ago

Something that got better 100 years ago? Something that hasn't gotten better since FDR was president? Something that has gotten far less valuable since it's creation? Yeah its time to complain and time to work towards a change.

6points

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Angelar 2 years ago

Very strange poem on this calendar. Very, very strange

0points

Who Panda 420 2 years ago

What language? Is it worth translating?

0points

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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

Final score:

68points

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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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#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

Final score:

61points

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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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#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

Final score:

56points

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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

Final score:

38points

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Jurgita Dominauskaitė

Having started as a content creator that made articles for Bored Panda from scratch I climbed my way up to being and editor and then had team lead responsibilities added as well. So it was a pretty natural transition from writing articles and titles as well as preparing the visual part for the articles to making sure others are doing those same tasks as I did before well, answering their questions and guiding them when needed. Eventually I realized editing gives me the most enjoyment and I'm focusing only on that right now.

Having started as a content creator that made articles for Bored Panda from scratch I climbed my way up to being and editor and then had team lead responsibilities added as well. So it was a pretty natural transition from writing articles and titles as well as preparing the visual part for the articles to making sure others are doing those same tasks as I did before well, answering their questions and guiding them when needed. Eventually I realized editing gives me the most enjoyment and I'm focusing only on that right now.

What do you think ?

Susie Elle 2 years ago

Positivity. Like, all the time, about anything and everything - you MUST always try to see the positive side about things. I mean, of course it's good to try and see things on a brighter side, but some things are just plain shitty, no more and no less, and they can be treated as such. I'm not gonna try and look on the bright side of people getting seriously ill or stuff like that.

23points

Tobias the Tiger 2 years ago

Exactly. I will admit that I try to stay positive as much as possible, but it really isn't possible all the time, and sometimes that's okay.

0points

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Artecture 2 years ago

A lot of these are kind of vague and don't make any sense.

13points

Olga Dremina 2 years ago

I hardly believe there are people who find even quarter of these things necessity. A couple, maybe several, if they are teenagers (i do remember myself pretending I'm not indifferent to smth to feel part of some subculture)

11points

John Baker 2 years ago (edited)

Another bullsh it post.

4points

RandomHumanBean 2 years ago

the social media ones really are accurate. in my county (Montgomery county, Maryland, USA) , someone shot someone n in the bathroom (at Macgruder high school) and there were multiple witnesses and none of them called 911 but they posted on social media and they might be charged for it too. there were also multiple gun threats near my school recently so that has not been fun (I'm in middle school)

2points

ivan bolitekurac 2 years ago

Media not mentioning certain things

1point

Helen 2 years ago

Don't take me wrong, but KIDS.

0points

Tim Quinlan 2 years ago

Get rid of social media and you get rid of half these issues

0points

GaeFrog 2 years ago

Ur literally on social media

5points

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John Baker 2 years ago

But then you wouldn't be able to use a social media platform to b***h about social media. ;-)

2points

Glirpy 2 years ago

Blogs are a form of social media.

1point

Miss Frankfurter 2 years ago

I up voted everything except one. Caffeine. Just can't bring myself to do that. Usually the only ones, with a few exceptions, that I up vote this much are about animals.

0points

Mark Fuller 2 years ago

None of these are necessities unless you're a moron. Pathetic that anyone should think these have any kudos at all. If you do... step back and reevaluate your priorities

-1point

Susie Elle 2 years ago

Positivity. Like, all the time, about anything and everything - you MUST always try to see the positive side about things. I mean, of course it's good to try and see things on a brighter side, but some things are just plain shitty, no more and no less, and they can be treated as such. I'm not gonna try and look on the bright side of people getting seriously ill or stuff like that.

23points

Tobias the Tiger 2 years ago

Exactly. I will admit that I try to stay positive as much as possible, but it really isn't possible all the time, and sometimes that's okay.

0points

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Artecture 2 years ago

A lot of these are kind of vague and don't make any sense.

13points

Olga Dremina 2 years ago

I hardly believe there are people who find even quarter of these things necessity. A couple, maybe several, if they are teenagers (i do remember myself pretending I'm not indifferent to smth to feel part of some subculture)

11points

John Baker 2 years ago (edited)

Another bullsh it post.

4points

RandomHumanBean 2 years ago

the social media ones really are accurate. in my county (Montgomery county, Maryland, USA) , someone shot someone n in the bathroom (at Macgruder high school) and there were multiple witnesses and none of them called 911 but they posted on social media and they might be charged for it too. there were also multiple gun threats near my school recently so that has not been fun (I'm in middle school)

2points

ivan bolitekurac 2 years ago

Media not mentioning certain things

1point

Helen 2 years ago

Don't take me wrong, but KIDS.

0points

Tim Quinlan 2 years ago

Get rid of social media and you get rid of half these issues

0points

GaeFrog 2 years ago

Ur literally on social media

5points

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John Baker 2 years ago

But then you wouldn't be able to use a social media platform to b***h about social media. ;-)

2points

Glirpy 2 years ago

Blogs are a form of social media.

1point

Miss Frankfurter 2 years ago

I up voted everything except one. Caffeine. Just can't bring myself to do that. Usually the only ones, with a few exceptions, that I up vote this much are about animals.

0points

Mark Fuller 2 years ago

None of these are necessities unless you're a moron. Pathetic that anyone should think these have any kudos at all. If you do... step back and reevaluate your priorities

-1point

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