Behind Gen Z's Doom Spending: What's the Point of Saving When House Prices Are Unaffordable?
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The phenomenon of doom spending, or excessive impulsive shopping as an escape from stress, anxiety, or despair over future economic uncertainty, is becoming increasingly trendy among the young generation or Gen Z.
Shopping habits are no longer solely driven by needs but have become a response to life’s pressures. Pessimism about the future is gradually shaping a new outlook on financial management among young people.
When property prices become increasingly unaffordable and long-term financial goals feel far from reality, some Gen Z individuals choose to shift their focus to short-term enjoyment.
This situation is also felt by Ellena (26). She believes that saving for big goals like buying a house feels increasingly difficult to achieve in the current conditions.
“Sometimes I think, what’s the point of saving? House prices now feel unaffordable. So, just enjoy the present,” she said when contacted by Kompas.com on Thursday (9/4/2026).
She views this choice not as a refusal to save, but as a realistic attitude towards the situation she faces.
She also prefers to use money for small things that can bring immediate happiness rather than thinking about something that feels distant.
“With the current conditions, having a house feels so far away. So sometimes I choose to spend money on small things that make me happy,” she said.
She realises that this mindset is not entirely correct, but it feels like the most sensible way to reduce pressure.
“Rather than stressing over something that might not be achievable, better to use it for things that can be enjoyed now,” she said.
Digging deeper, Ellena’s shopping habit is no longer just about needs or wants but has shifted to releasing daily pressures.
She realises that shopping activities often arise after a tiring day, when body and mind need release.
“If I think about it now, my shopping habit isn’t about need or not anymore, but more like an escape,” she said.
“Pure escape. Not self-reward anymore, but a way for me to avoid tiredness and pressure that I don’t know where to vent,” she said.
This outlook is also reflected in Nadia’s shopping habits (26). Nadia admits that lately she has been opening shopping apps more frequently and making transactions.
In one week, she can check out several items that are not really needed.
She mentions buying skincare influenced by social media reviews, then clothes tempted by discounts, to small impulsive accessories.
She herself sometimes wonders because the frequency of this shopping happens repeatedly.