This is a good thing. If the economy was driven by essentials, it would mean we were in a VERY VERY bad place.
Luckily, our economy is mostly based on luxury items, by world standards.
Luckily, our economy is mostly based on luxury items, by world standards.
There's nothing intrinsically wrong with producing entertainment, internet communities, or branded merch. But I don't think it's that controversial to say "micro-influencer selling/sponsoring merch" is not the optimal career path for most of the people that pursue it.
At least in my circles, the Instagram gadgets are one part junk, one part failed execution and half genuinely-clever niche objects and services. A silly kitchen tool I low-key love is a domestially-made all-steel tofu press. A friend found it on Instagram.
That's why free markets drive innovation, and the usual motivation for innovation. Innovation is expensive, so it's tricky to do without return.