Greedy eyes when buying Iftar food? IPB University’s Family and Consumer Science Expert Warns of the Impact of Overbuying
Ramadan is a special moment for muslims. For a whole month, muslims are required to restrain their desires by fasting. However, it is not uncommon for people to have difficulty controlling their desires, such as being trapped in consumptive behavior and overbuying.
Regarding overbuying, Dr Megawati Simanjuntak, IPB University’s Family and Consumer Science Expert, said that overbuying is a person’s action to buy goods or services excessively.
“Usually, overbuying behavior is done without considering the actual needs and it often happens during Ramadan. Of course, everything that is excessive is not good, including overbuying because it has more negative impacts,” she said.
During Ramadan, overbuying is most common during iftar. On the dining table, heavy meals such as rice and side dishes are usually served, plus compote and fried foods, iced fruit, and dates as takjil menu. “Of course this is excessive and not good for health and spending,” she said.
Dr Megawati explained that overbuying usually occurs because of eye hunger when breaking the fast. “Overbuying can be triggered because you have been fasting all day and are hungry, so you want to buy a lot of food,” she said.
This kind of behavior, she continued, also often occurs when approaching holidays or Eid. “When Eid is approaching, people usually think of buying new clothes, preparing food that is typical of Eid, such as rendang, ketupat, chicken opor and even various cakes,” she said.
Not to mention, with today’s social media, overbuying can also be triggered by trends or fear of missing out (FOMO). “Something goes viral, you have to buy it. There is a little trend, you have to try it. That is also the cause of people overbuying.”
“Last year’s Eid, for example, there was a trend for shimmer clothes. In fact, maybe the clothes can only be worn once, so they are redundant because they will not be used again,” she said again.
Dr Megawati also gave tips for people to avoid overbuying. The most important thing, she said, is financial management and planning, by making a list of what is needed.
“Don’t be tempted and hungry when you are about to break your fast, so you buy all the food that is actually excessive. Keep in mind that the focus of Ramadan is to compete for goodness,” she explained.
She also suggested reducing excessive consumption. Because, she said, it can obscure the focus of worship. “Also, reduce playing social media and scrolling e-commerce because these media cause people to become FOMO, especially with the rise of live streaming selling,” she said.
“Don’t be tempted by the words limited edition and massive discounts because those are just marketing tricks. Shop and buy only what you need,” Dr Megawati concluded. (IAAS/NRA)
