Struggling with relationships? You may be too materialistic [Video]

Digital technology and social media have revolutionised communication, making people more connected than ever. Yet many developed nations are struggling with loneliness and data has shown that while we have more ways to connect with others, the quantity and quality of our connections may be declining, especially among young people.

Research consistently finds that being materialistic — seeing money and possessions as paths to self-worth and happiness — negatively affects interpersonal relationships across cultures and genders. Young people seem particularly vulnerable to these effects.

Studies have shown that blindly chasing financial success and high-end brands impacts not only how we invest our money but also our time in developing and nurturing relationships. It makes sense, after all that if we spend our time browsing shopping sites and working long hours to buy stuff we don’t need, we will have less time to connect with others.

My recent researchsuggests that part of the decline in social connection could also be due to …