Highly materialistic people believe that owning and buying things are necessary means to achieve important life goals, such as happiness, success and desirability. ... Research shows that highly materialistic people tend to care less about the environment and other people than “non-materialists” do.

Is materialism bad or good?

Human organisms are born empty and materialism acquires meaning in accord with social and cultural teachings. Thus, materialism is good because materialism contributes to personal fulfillment and betterment of society, in general.

What is the effect of being materialistic?

Materialism and personal well-being

Materialism has been shown to be associated with more anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use, unpleasant emotions, as well as less happiness, life satisfaction, and vitality (see Diener and Seligman, 2004, and Kasser, 2002 for detailed reviews).