Which is more valuable, time or money? This is an age-old question. Many have decided that time is more important than money. A night out with your kids, partner or parents does not have a monetary value assigned to it. Despite the answer seeming obvious, society does not reflect the general consensus. People assign value to objects based on tangibility, and how others will see that object.
For example, people often splurge on things like expensive clothing, whether that manifests as Lululemon or Chanel. Oftentimes, they can justify the hundreds of dollars because they know they will wear the jacket or purse. They also know that when people see that item, they will be able to identify it. Someone is much more likely to buy a $200 white t-shirt from Lululemon versus a $200 white t-shirt from Kohl’s. However, when it comes to something like a family photoshoot, people are less likely to spend the same amount. Family photoshoots can capture otherwise fleeting moments, but oftentimes people cannot justify spending the money on something often not seen as much as a designer purse.
Nevertheless, people are much more likely to splurge on a family photo than a painting for the same amount. A painting will likely sit in a room where only people invited to an individual’s home will see it. It also has less of an obvious function compared to other objects. When people purchase an expensive laptop, it is easy to justify based on the various uses for a laptop. Yet when it comes to something like a painting, that’s primary job is to portray a concept that makes you think or feel emotions, people do not see the inherent value.
This principle also applies to daily life activities. Hangouts with friends turn into finding the perfect photo to post on an Instagram story. Instead of just enjoying the moment, there always has to be a phone out to get a picture. This applies to vacations too, where people are more focused on a nice post than enjoying the experience. It even comes down to drinks and food we are enjoying. People will buy an $11 matcha if it is pretty enough to post.
Even hobbies have turned into outlets that are only enjoyed if money can be made. Photography, jewelry making, crocheting and influencing are all examples of hobbies turned into jobs. Specifically influencing, social media used to be a place where people shared different aspects of their lives with their friends. Now, social media feels like a gigantic ad. Every other scroll is a skit of someone trying to sell the latest TikTok shop item to you. On videos where people are just having fun, the comments are often mean.
The art of doing something just because it brings enjoyment is lost. Not every single purchase you make should be because other people have it or will see it. Not every single activity needs to be documented for social media. Not every single hobby has to be something that will eventually make you money. Not everything in this world has to be transactional. Commissioning a piece of art just because it makes you happy to look at is perfectly fine. There is too little time in life to only do things that give you a tangible return. Instead of assigning value to objects based on how others will perceive them, value should be tied to the intrinsic significance it brings you.
