It goes deeper than what’s trending, as social media can hugely impact how we evaluate ourselves, explained Robert Common, psychologist and CEO of Beekeeper House. “By its very nature,” says Common, “social media is set up to encourage consumerism and a materialistic mindset.” Certainly, Thompson felt that social media persuaded her that she needed to own particular things. “I was constantly buying what was popular on the ‘gram and I started to gain 1,000 followers, then 2,000.” Thompson said she assumed that if she had the latest products, she would continue to grow her following. This was the false confirmation she needed to keep spending.