Consumerism | Icebreaker Spot

As a consumer society, we are constantly surrounded by choices and decisions related to our purchasing habits and lifestyle preferences. One fun way to explore these themes in a group setting is by using Consumerism-themed “This or That” icebreaker questions. By asking questions that highlight the tradeoffs, benefits, and drawbacks of different consumer behaviors, you can encourage your guests to reflect on their own values, priorities, and experiences.

How to incorporate Consumerism themed This or That questions

To incorporate Consumerism-themed “This or That” questions into your event, follow these steps:

Prepare a list of questions beforehand that are related to consumer behavior, lifestyle preferences, and values (e.g., “Which do you prefer: shopping online or in person?” or “Do you prefer experiences or material possessions?”). You can find inspiration from reading articles, books, or podcasts about Consumerism, sustainability, and personal finance.
Print out the questions on cards or display them on a screen or a poster board. Encourage your guests to form small groups of 3-5 people and take turns asking each other the questions. You can also create a rotation system where each group moves on to the next question after a set amount of time (e.g., 2-3 minutes).
Make sure everyone has a chance to answer each question and listen actively to their responses. Encourage follow-up questions, comments, and discussions that build on the initial answers. You can also share your own insights and opinions about Consumerism to keep the conversation flowing.
After everyone has had a chance to answer all the questions, gather your guests in a larger group and ask them to share their favorite or most surprising answers. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any commonalities or connections that emerged during the activity.
Consider using some of the insights or stories that came up during the “This or That” icebreaker as a springboard for further conversations and activities throughout the day. For example, you could organize a workshop on sustainable living or financial planning or create a display of eco-friendly products or local artisans.

Ideas on different themes of questions

To keep your Consumerism-themed icebreaker questions fresh and engaging, you can explore different themes and categories that are relevant to the topic. Here are some ideas:

Personal values: Ask questions that tap into your guests’ core values and beliefs related to Consumerism (e.g., “Which do you prioritize more: convenience or sustainability?” or “Do you prefer buying new or second-hand items?”).
Lifestyle preferences: Ask questions about how your guests approach different aspects of their daily lives, such as transportation, food, and entertainment (e.g., “Which do you prefer: driving a car or using public transit?” or “Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?”).
Financial habits: Ask questions that explore the financial implications of different Consumerism choices (e.g., “Which do you prefer: saving money or investing in experiences?” or “Do you prefer paying for a gym membership or working out at home?”).
Social impact: Ask questions about how your guests’ Consumerism choices affect their communities and the environment (e.g., “Which do you prefer: buying local or global products?” or “Do you prefer reducing waste or recycling?”).
Trends and fads: Ask questions that tap into popular culture and social media trends related to Consumerism (e.g., “Which do you prefer: minimalist or maximalist design?” or “Do you prefer fast fashion or slow fashion?”).

By incorporating these different themes of questions into your Consumerism-themed icebreaker activity, you can keep your guests engaged and entertained while also fostering a sense of curiosity and critical thinking. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your next event!

My favorite Consumerism themed This or That questions

Buy now pay later or pay upfront?
Brand names or generic products?
Credit card or cash payments?
Shopping malls or independent shops?
Second-hand items or new items?
Supporting local businesses or big corporations?
Buy one get one free or discounts?
Do-it-yourself repairs or hire a professional?
Cooking at home or eating out at restaurants?
Clothing subscription services or buying clothes individually?
Subscription boxes or individual purchases?
Paying for premium memberships or using free services?
Buying products in bulk or buying individual items?
Saving money or splurging on luxury items?
Electric cars or gas-powered cars?
Reusable shopping bags or disposable plastic bags?
Organic products or non-organic products?
Raw materials or finished products?
Fair trade products or conventional products?
Buying for yourself or buying for others?
Free samples or paid samples?
Sale prices or regular prices?
Pre-packaged food or fresh food?
Renting or buying?
High-end appliances or affordable ones?
Buying necessities or buying luxuries?
Protecting the environment or maximizing convenience?
Custom-made items or mass-produced items?
Shopping locally or shopping globally?

About the author

Jon Zajac

Founder & Chief Icebreaker

I started Icebreaker Spot because I truly believe that strong connections are the foundation of successful teams. I wanted to create a platform that would make it easy for people to find and share icebreakers and team building activities, empowering them to build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately, achieve greatness together.