Don't be a mindless consumer

Have you ever noticed that many of our purchases aren’t driven by actual need, but rather by constant conditioning that influences us before we even decide to buy? The rapid, ever-changing flow of information scrolling across our screens makes our minds vulnerable to suggestion, as we rarely pause to carefully examine or question what we see. Instead, we passively absorb whatever is repeatedly presented to us without a second thought. This mindset of the mindless consumer has become a boon for corporate interests. But how can we resist this growing pattern?

The Bible offers guidance on what should capture our thoughts. It calls us to focus on what is pure, true, lovely, and worthy of praise. These are the ideas we ought to dwell upon. When information is fabricated or dishonest, it lacks purity and truth and thus should not occupy our minds. Likewise, negative or unpleasant news is not worthy of honor, so we shouldn’t linger on it. By consciously choosing what we listen to and critically evaluating the information we receive, we can avoid falling into the trap of becoming mindless consumers.

Engaging actively with what feeds our minds is essential for critical thinking. Once we switch to passive listening and stop analyzing information, critical thought ceases—and with it, we lose control over our consumption. We stop paying attention and start consuming without reflection. Today, be mindful of what you read, and pause whenever you catch yourself scrolling absentmindedly. Ask yourself: Have you become a mindless consumer?