In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your own opinion and examples based on your experience.

In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your own opinion and examples based on your experience.

 

Shopping as Entertainment 

For inhabitants of the developed economies, shopping is becoming more of a past time - rather than spending money on buying required commodities - with they often entertain themselves. This trend fetches some accolades and brickbats.

Developed countries have influential economies which rely on the spending by consumers. The trend of using shopping as a way to entertain is fueling the consumerist society, which in turn is generating economic activity; assisting in consuming the products being manufactured by the factories; and the services being offered by services establishments. This in turn is generating employment - the workers being employed by the factories and service establishments - at the local and global level.  

On top of that, it is firmly believed that the inclination of inhabitants to go on shopping trips to keep themselves entertained is also preventing many evils and stressful situations. Most of the population of affluent countries spends very less time at work – generally around 35 to 40 hours per week - which leaves them with an abundance of free time which if not consumed in some productive work, is used in activities that often lead to self-harm – sedentary lifestyle, suicides, addiction to drugs and alcohol - or certain crimes which can jeopardize public safety – like murder and burglary.

Quite contrary to the popular beliefs and theories, entertaining oneself with shopping  has many drawbacks. Fostering habit of wasteful expenditure and extravagancy can has a long lasting adverse impact on the people as involving oneself in wasteful expenditure would surely jeopardize finances in future.