Flexing, or showing off one's luxuries, is becoming increasingly popular among Indonesians. It can be seen from the many photos or videos on social media featuring luxury items such as cars, jewelry, and expensive clothes. However, this behavior has a negative impact, especially on the problem of poverty in Indonesia.
First of all, flexing can create social pressure on impoverished people. It is because people tend to compare themselves to others who flaunt wealth or luxury and end up feeling worthless or lacking in success. In some cases, this social pressure can even cause people to take harmful actions, such as going into debt or finding the wrong ways to get instant wealth.
Second, flexing can also create greater social and economic disparities in Indonesia. It happens because people who flaunt their wealth or luxury tend to be more cared for and valued by society, so they can more easily obtain opportunities and benefits than less fortunate people. As a result, social and economic disparities deepen the problem of poverty in Indonesia.
Third, flexing can divert people's attention from critical issues like poverty and social inequality. Instead, society focuses more on the wealth and luxuries of those who flaunt it and pays little attention to those who need help and support. It can cause the problem of poverty to continue to be neglected and not resolved.
Fourth, flexing can create unsustainable consumption patterns in Indonesia. People tend to buy luxury goods only to show off their social status and not because of an actual need or want. As a result, this unsustainable consumption can exacerbate environmental problems and affect the Indonesian people's welfare.
In my view, the phenomenon of flexing, which is increasingly popular among Indonesians, can reflect an excessively consumptive culture. We must change the mindset and wasteful behavior by prioritizing better social and environmental values. It can be started by balancing needs and desires in consuming existing goods. In addition, it is important to create better awareness and education for the community, especially the younger generation, about good social and environmental values. Finally, the government can also play an active role in creating policies that encourage more sustainable consumption and pay attention to the problems of poverty and social and economic inequality in Indonesia.
