Budol-Budol Time: A Perspective from the Global South on Generation Z’s Digital Status Consumption Through an Interactive Video

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Luis Angelo Francisco Lopa, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Kateleen Claire Malabag Gonzales, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University

Track or Strand

Arts and Design Track (ADT)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Carl Dizon

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 4:30 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person)-LS315 Pablo Nicolas Seminar Room

Abstract/Executive Summary

This research critiques the contemporary digital landscape, as social media influencers continue to shape Gen Z's consumer behavior, often driving "status overconsumption," or the repetitive purchase of trending goods to enhance social standing. The study investigates the complex relationship between social media exposure and consumption patterns among affluent Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) in Laguna, Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City, Philippines. The paper's objective is to address the environmental consequences of these behaviors, including excess waste and carbon emissions from production and related industries, which consumers often overlook. Grounded in social comparison and status consumption theories, the research employs a mixed-methods triangulation approach using surveys, semi-structured interviews, and a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (K.A.P.) analysis to further understand participants' perspectives, alongside a choice-based interactive video based on the gathered data from the Gen Z demographic findings, serving both as a research tool and an intervention aimed at increasing environmental awareness. The study argues that simple digital trends, such as "Get Ready With Me" (GRWMs) and influencer hauls, present on social media platforms, namely TikTok and Instagram, have a strong influence on shaping impulsive purchasing despite existing environmental awareness, whereas integrating an immersive digital experience strengthens Gen Z's understanding of consumption and social responsibility. Collectively, the research concludes that digital trends such as the GRWM culture and other influencer-driven consumption patterns exacerbate waste generation and carbon emissions; therefore, strengthening localized digital literacy and promoting sustainable consumption strategies are essential to addressing overconsumption in urban areas of the Philippines.

Keywords

Social Media, Gen Z, Status Overconsumption, Trends, Environmental Degradation

Art Category Code (for Arts and Design Research Presentation submissions only)

Photography, Film, and Animation (FLM)

Art Sub-category Code

Experimental/ Video Art

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes