"Irrational abundance" refers to a cultural, psychological, and economic condition in which consumption patterns in modern societies exceed the boundaries of rationality. This concept emerges when individuals engage in excessive consumption beyond their actual needs, often resulting in a sense of deprivation amid material affluence. As a byproduct of capitalist economies driven by consumption-oriented growth, irrational abundance produces contradictory outcomes for both individual psychology and social structures.

^{An Image Representing Irrational Abundance (Created with Artificial Intelligence.)}

Philosophical Background of the Concept

Irrational abundance can be interpreted as a critique of Western metaphysics, which places rational thinking at its core. In Ancient Greek philosophy, abundance was often viewed as a privilege of the gods or a natural state granted by the environment. In contrast, in modern societies, abundance is linked to production and considered a prerequisite for consumption. The term “irrational” here implies not only excess or illogical behavior but also a systematic blurring of consciousness. In this sense, irrational abundance arises when individuals deviate from rational decision-making, becoming dominated by desires and visual stimuli.

Consumption Psychology and Behavioral Aspects

Although individuals are often portrayed as rational consumers, their decisions are more frequently influenced by emotions, habits, and social factors. People living in abundance frequently experience feelings of inadequacy. This paradox can be explained through the concept of "hedonic adaptation"—the tendency to quickly adjust to improvements in one’s material conditions and to constantly desire more. Advertising and media exploit this inner void by promoting continuous consumption, leading to the expansion of irrational abundance: unnecessary spending, unused possessions, and unsustainable consumption patterns.

Feminist Economics and Irrational Abundance

Feminist economics critically addresses the concept of irrational abundance by offering alternatives to the traditional “rational man” model in economics. This perspective challenges masculine notions such as competition, scarcity, and self-interest, and instead emphasizes values like abundance, cooperation, and sharing. Here, abundance refers not only to material goods but also to the distribution of emotional and social resources. However, when such sharing becomes irrational—for example, the relentless pursuit of visibility on social media or conspicuous consumption—it creates new forms of pressure instead of liberation.

Cultural and Aesthetic Dimensions

In art, literature, and theater, irrational abundance is often portrayed through grotesque imagery. Overconsumption is symbolized through exaggerated stage designs or pleasure-centered lifestyles. These representations critique not just material excess, but also the loss of meaning and value. Especially in postmodern culture, abundance tends to be associated with an existential void. When consumption becomes an end in itself, abundance transforms into a generator of meaninglessness.

Economic Implications

Irrational abundance poses serious threats to economic sustainability. It leads to inefficient use of resources, environmental degradation, waste, and social inequality. In the realm of investor behavior, irrational patterns—such as speculative bubbles—often arise from inflated perceptions of abundance and unrealistic optimism, potentially leading to economic crises. These behaviors contradict rational expectation theories and may destabilize financial systems.

The Role of Social Media in Irrational Abundance

Social media platforms are among the most influential tools in amplifying the illusion of abundance. Dominated by visual content, these platforms project a fantasy of “endless happiness” and “unlimited opportunity,” prompting individuals to perceive their own lives as inadequate. This, in turn, drives irrational consumption as people attempt to meet unattainable standards. The lifestyles showcased by social media influencers often generate a feeling of “abundance in deprivation” among followers.

Irrational abundance represents not only excessive consumption but also the transformation of consumption into an irrational desire. It contributes to personal dissatisfaction and broader ecological and economic imbalances. It is not solely a consequence of production and consumption systems but also reflects the individual’s quest for meaning, identity formation, and social comparison. To mitigate its effects in the future, it is imperative to promote individual awareness, ethical economic thinking, and sustainable lifestyle practices.