Diderot Effect

What does Diderot Effect mean?

 

In 1769, the philosopher Diderot got a fancy red robe, but instead of making him happy, it caused him trouble. The robe made the rest of his things look old and shabby, so he started buying new items to match. In the end, he had to replace many things in his house, just because of the new robe. Today, people still talk about this effect when studying how we buy things.

 

In 1988, a researcher named Grant McCracken used Diderot's experience to explain how we like our purchases to match. For example, if someone buys a nice car, they might also want a fancy watch to go with it. This can lead to more buying, but it can also make us avoid things that don’t fit in with what we already have. Marketers know this and use it to get people to spend more.

 

Companies like Apple take advantage of the Diderot Effect. When you buy an iPhone, you might feel like getting other Apple products to match, like AirPods or a MacBook. Stores also design their layouts so that items seem to go together, encouraging more purchases. Marketers use this effect to keep people spending money.

 

Some writers think that the Diderot Effect makes us stuck in a cycle of buying more and more, which isn’t always good. People sometimes buy things because they think it will make them feel safer or more important, like Diderot did with his robe. But in reality, it doesn’t always bring the happiness they expect. Diderot actually felt freer in his old robe, even though it wasn’t as fancy.

 

Before buying new expensive items, think about how your current things already serve you. This can help you avoid spending too much money on things you don’t really need and make better decisions about your purchases.

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One of my recent discussion topics was the Diderot Effect.

The reason I chose is because I’d felt that way recent days.

In my 20s, my friends around me used to collect Apple products, which were quite expensive for 20s.

For me, though, I was obsessed with affordable IKEA items.

I tried to match the tone and style of every single piece, and I actually enjoyed it a lot.

Maybe my small, shabby studio apartment was so stressful to be in that I started to find joy in decorating my poor space.

 

I've spent quite a money for them. But now, I started to feel all these things are meaningless.

The Northern Europe vibes, or Scandinavian aesthetic, makes me uncomfortable now. I couldn't get a comfort vibe in my room anymore. After that, I began to search for the other vibes which suit me; MUJI, Japanese brand.

I wandered through many MUJI offline stores here and there and bought a few items, but nothing could make me feel warm and cozy anymore. Now, I've come back to the starting line.

What kinds of brand or items make me comfort and cozy?

 

The Diderot Effect delivered an answer for me.

The old one.

It seems that the old, familiar items with traces of my life are what truly give me a sense of stability. The ones that carry familiarity, convenience, and the history of my life, making them feel more cherished.

 

Perhaps, I already have all kinds stuff that I need to have, but these items are all over the place and not properly organized. I started organizing many items in order and now, many items have started to find their place and look quite organized. I realized that instead of buying new things, organizing and getting rid of items actually brings me a greater sense of cozy.

 

How about organizing your room once more before you add something?