Value of Things
- Gabrielle Vebryzky
- Jul 28, 2021
- 10 min read
ACTIVITY #1
Monetary Value:
Macbook
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: MacBook is one of the well-known laptops that people usually use today. Its simple and compact design was able to attract my attention. Having an easy to use laptop design makes this product one of the ideal laptops to have.
Insight:
I don't remember seeing an advertisement about MacBooks, however, it was introduced to me since I was young, making me aware of the product. I also saw some people do some unboxing or creating a short video regarding the product.
No one recommended MacBook to me since I was aware of the product.
The videos I've seen does affect my decision to buy a MacBook.
Nebula Projector Apollo
Price: around Rp 8.000.000 i think (expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: I have always been a fan of watching or playing my gadgets in the dark (which is not good for my eyes). With this projector, I was able to watch things in the dark without having to strain my eyes.
Insight:
I have never seen an advertisement regarding this product, however, I have always wanted a projector since I saw some people create videos (unboxing, etc.) regarding portable projectors.
This product was given to me by my parents as a present. Before this, no one told me about the product.
Since I enjoy watching in the dark, I have always wanted a projector; and watching the said videos did make me want to own my own projector.
iPhone
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: The way iPhones are designed has made it convenient to bring around or use. The constant advancement of iPhones has made the product more trustworthy as they continuously improve the form of protection in terms of unlocking phones or keeping personal data. iPhones are also made to have different sizes, high-quality cameras, and multiple security systems that made it possible for people to find the right fit for the person.
Insight:
I did remember seeing advertisements about iPhones, especially when new releases are made.
Knowing iPhones since before, I was already exposed to the product without people having to recommend the product.
With the new and improved new releases, it does make me want to buy the new releases.
Earpods with Lightning Connector
Price: $19.00 (According to Apple.com)
Quality: Nicely made
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No
Description: This earphone is provided in iPhone boxes without having to pay extra. About 10 times cheaper (in USD) than the first version of AirPods. The design of the in-ear section is based on the geometry of the ear, making it more comfortable than some other designs.
Insight:
No, I have never seen an advertisement for this product.
No, the product is already given when people buy an iPhone (not sure about iPad).
Since it is already given as a part of the phone, I never really contemplate buying it.
Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Price: $9.00 (According to Apple.com)
Quality: Nicely built, however, it is not as durable
Aesthetic: Designed for functionality
Collectible: No
Description: This headphone jack adapter allows earphones with a 3.5 mm audio plug to be used for iPhone (current ones that has no 3.5 mm audio jack). This is a good product if there is a budget, however, the tip may break if not handled properly.
Insight:
No, I have never seen an advertisement for this product.
No, the product is already given when people buy an iPhone (not sure about iPad).
The AirPods with lightning connector is usually provided alongside this product, so I never really contemplated buying this product again when it broke.
Personal Value:
MacBook
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: MacBook is one of the well-known laptops that people usually use today. Its simple and compact design was able to attract my attention. Having an easy to use laptop design makes this product one of the ideal laptops to have.
Insight:
I don't remember seeing an advertisement about MacBooks, however, it was introduced to me since I was young, making me aware of the product. I also saw some people do some unboxing or creating a short video regarding the product.
No one recommended MacBook to me since I was aware of the product.
The videos I've seen does affect my decision to buy a MacBook.
Nebula Projector Apollo
Price: around Rp 8.000.000 i think (expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: I have always been a fan of watching or playing my gadgets in the dark (which is not good for my eyes). With this projector, I was able to watch things in the dark without having to strain my eyes.
Insight:
I have never seen an advertisement regarding this product, however, I have always wanted a projector since I saw some people create videos (unboxing, etc.) regarding portable projectors.
This product was given to me by my parents as a present. Before this, no one told me about the product.
Since I enjoy watching in the dark, I have always wanted a projector; and watching the said videos did make me want to own my own projector.
iPhone
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: The way iPhones are designed has made it convenient to bring around or use. The constant advancement of iPhones has made the product more trustworthy as they continuously improve the form of protection in terms of unlocking phones or keeping personal data. iPhones are also made to have different sizes, high-quality cameras, and multiple security systems that made it possible for people to find the right fit for the person.
Insight:
I did remember seeing advertisements about iPhones, especially when new releases are made.
Knowing iPhones since before, I was already exposed to the product without people having to recommend the product.
With the new and improved new releases, it does make me want to buy the new releases.
LED Light Stand
Price: -
Quality: Nicely made
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: Yes
Description: The LED Light stand was given to me by my friends as a present. The custom stand was a portrait of my friends and I, making this one of the personal valuable product.
Insight:
I have never seen an advertisement for the product.
My friends gave me the product, however, before that, no one ever told me about it.
This product became one of the most important things that I have.
Picture frame (?)
Price: -
Quality: Nicely made
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: Yes I think
Description: The picture frame (?) was also given to me by my friends as a present to place our pictures and memories in (I don't have any other frames or albums).
Insight:
I have never seen an advertisement for the product.
My friends gave me the product, before that, I only saw this product in shops, but no advertisements.
This product became one of the most important things that I have.
Purpose Value:
Macbook
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: MacBook is one of the well-known laptops that people usually use today. Its simple and compact design was able to attract my attention. Having an easy to use laptop design makes this product one of the ideal laptops to have.
Insight:
I don't remember seeing an advertisement about MacBooks, however, it was introduced to me since I was young, making me aware of the product. I also saw some people do some unboxing or creating a short video regarding the product.
No one recommended MacBook to me since I was aware of the product.
The videos I've seen does affect my decision to buy a MacBook.
Nebula Projector Apollo
Price: around Rp 8.000.000 i think (expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: I have always been a fan of watching or playing my gadgets in the dark (which is not good for my eyes). With this projector, I was able to watch things in the dark without having to strain my eyes.
Insight:
I have never seen an advertisement regarding this product, however, I have always wanted a projector since I saw some people create videos (unboxing, etc.) regarding portable projectors.
This product was given to me by my parents as a present. Before this, no one told me about the product.
Since I enjoy watching in the dark, I have always wanted a projector; and watching the said videos did make me want to own my own projector.
iPhone
Price: not sure (but its expensive)
Quality: Nicely built
Aesthetic: Nicely designed
Collectible: No (Personally)
Description: The way iPhones are designed has made it convenient to bring around or use. The constant advancement of iPhones has made the product more trustworthy as they continuously improve the form of protection in terms of unlocking phones or keeping personal data. iPhones are also made to have different sizes, high-quality cameras, and multiple security systems that made it possible for people to find the right fit for the person.
Insight:
I did remember seeing advertisements about iPhones, especially when new releases are made.
Knowing iPhones since before, I was already exposed to the product without people having to recommend the product.
With the new and improved new releases, it does make me want to buy the new releases.
Scissors
Price: cheap
Quality: Good
Aesthetic: Designed to be functional
Collectible: No (personally)
Description: There was a time when I lose my scissors and I have to open everything using my hands (it wasn't a nice experience).
Insight:
No, its already used by everyone.
No, its been there from the start.
my experience made me realize the importance of scissors.
Tempered Glass
Price: Depends
Quality: Good
Aesthetic: Designed to prevent the screen from being damaged
Collectible: No
Description: Tempered glass screen protectors are made to prevent or lessen the chances of the phone screens from being damaged.
Insight:
No, I never saw an advertisement for it.
Yes, and I was told about how tempered glass screen protectors are much more effective.
Yes, now I have been using tempered glass for my phone.
ACTIVITY #2
Identify and relate with the value of things, as well as how it relates to advertising and social issue - especially about materiality and immateriality.
Find two more related articles (BONUS: watch the episode on Netflix as well).
Questions:
1. In the video, what is the reason people 'collect things'?
There are many reasons why people collect things. It could be as a means of keeping memories or as an action to fill the missing parts the person felt.
2. What are the steps offered by 'The Minimalists' for the masses?
Throughout the video, 'The Minimalists' emphasize the idea of minimalism. Not just clearing the unused material possessions that do not bring happiness, but also reexamining our priorities and life purpose.
From their experience, the first thing they did was clearing the material things and only keep the things that are actually useful for them, and donated the rest. By doing this, they are not only clearing the clutters from their lives, but they are also adding value to others' lives as the objects may be of use to them. For materialistic objects that held a memory or two, a simple photo would be enough for us to keep.
3. Can you relate to the topic of 'Letting Go'? In what way? Any examples?
I could relate to the topic of 'Letting Go'. There are many things that I believe hold my old memories, which creates an emotional attachment (e.g. my old dolls). Even though I no longer play with them—or even touch them—I would still keep them. With this, I decided to donate most of my old stuff to those who need it more.
Article Links:
Further Understanding of Object Value
Object value could be classified into three different groups—monetary, personal, and purpose values. The monetary value refers to the idea of placing the importance of the object using the cost or market value. By placing the object importance on the cost, these kinds of objects are what people sought after to create a 'wealthy' image. As it places its value on the cost or market value, this could result in the objects being viewed 'objectively'.
Personal value refers to the idea of placing the importance of the object through human emotion. Unlike the monetary value, this form of object importance is viewed subjectively (based on their own perspective or experience) since the objects do not place their value on the objective price. Instead, this form of object value creates a sense of emotional attachment, which may differ from person to person.
The last form of object value is purpose. Instead of appealing to the emotion or image of a person, this object value makes itself important using its functionality. The prices of the object may differ, or there would be no sense of emotional attachment to the object, yet people would still buy them because of their function or purpose, which makes their life easier.
Due to the different forms of appeal, the advertising process or method of these products would also differ. Objects with monetary value are usually advertised in ways that appeal to the product's aesthetic, which will 'elevate' a person's outer appearance and their own sense of 'monetary' worth. Objects with personal value, however, are advertised differently (some may be advertised appealing to the outer image of a person or not advertised at all). Since this form of value creates its own meaning in a person's life by being a part of their past and present moments, objects with subjective personal value differ. These objects could be cheap or expensive and it would not matter. Lastly, objects with purpose value are usually not advertised as people would be aware of the product and its function. However, some objects may be advertised as a way to spread awareness of the object to the people.
Even if these objects have different forms of value, it creates a social issue regarding the concept of materiality and immateriality. The immaterial things are the main inner satisfaction for people. The immaterialistic things include relationships, mental and physical health, growth, life purpose, etc. Due to the appeal of the materialistic object value, people would often lose their sense of priority and importance. Instead, the materialistic objects would be considered the most important, causing them to disregard their true priority, which also exists in a non-material form. By putting their focus on materialistic objects, people would often strive and work hard to gain them. It could also cause people to begin collecting these objects, even if they would not use them in the future. By disregarding the immaterial priorities the person already had or would have had, it could cause damage in these immaterial things and consequently result in a negative outcome for themselves, creating a sense of inner unsatisfaction (or inner 'void').
Works Cited:
Invaluable. 2021. 10 Unique Collections and the Psychology Behind Them. [online] Available
at: <https://www.invaluable.com/blog/collecting-psychology/> [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Michaels, M., 2019. How to Let Go of Stuff with Sentimental Value. [Blog] LifeStorageBlog, Available at:
<https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/organization/how-to-let-go-of-stuff-with-sentimental-value/>
[Accessed 26 July 2021].
Tedx Talks. 2014. A rich life with less stuff | The Minimalists | TEDxWhitefish. [YouTube Video]. Available
at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgBpyNsS-jU> [Accessed: 26 July 2021].
Tedx Talks. 2016. The Art of Letting Go | The Minimalists | TEDxFargo. [YouTube Video]. Available at:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7rewjFNiys&t=1s> [Accessed: 26 July 2021].
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