In a world of ever-evolving technology and constant innovation, the practice of collecting has a quaint charm. From rare coins and stamps to action figures and trading cards, collections are an integral part of our lives. For many, these collections are like windows into our past, triggering nostalgia that transports us back to simpler times. I feel the same way. The joy of collecting lies not only in owning these items, but in the memories they hold, the friendships they have fostered and the lessons they have taught.
As children, our collections often held an indescribable allure. The act of trading, swapping or showing off our prized possessions was a source of immense joy. We were children, after all. These collections, though intangible in value, were immeasurably important in shaping our friendships and the shared experiences we cherished. But, as I said, those were simpler times, without the influence of social media and the hunger for validation it brings. That is why, from today’s perspective, I lament.
The digital age has changed the way we approach collecting. The social media platforms that were meant to connect us have also, in some ways, disconnected us from the true spirit of collecting. What were once cherished relics of our past have become instruments of self-promotion and advertising. The emphasis has shifted from enjoying the joy of owning to flaunting our acquisitions. But instead of mesmerising others, this trend has led to a culture of exaggeration, where the value of the collection is often overshadowed by the need for recognition.
In the pursuit of likes, shares and followers, people have lost sight of the essence of collecting. The once cherished camaraderie has been replaced by an unhealthy competition. Financial considerations have crept into the equation as people spend huge amounts of money on their collections. This change in attitude has not only disrupted the economics of collectibles, but has also eroded their sentimental value. Some are even becoming worthless due to the rise of digital materialism.
A clear example of this transformation can be seen in the realm of trading cards, such as those used in games like “Pokemon”, “Yu-Gi-Oh!” or “Magic: The Gathering”. These cards, once tokens of shared fun and friendly competition, have become commodities traded like shares in a market. Social media showcases have become more about materialism and less about the love of the hobby. People obsess over the monetary value of the cards, neglecting the beauty of their illustrations and the stories they tell. The games and the cartoons/anime don’t matter at this point. There is no more sentimental attachment, which is literally the heart of collecting.
Photo by Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash
This shift in focus has not only affected the collector’s experience, but also the producers of these collectibles. While it’s hard to say whether this shift has been driven by producers or consumers, the result is evident at both ends. Producers are now more concerned with rarity and market value. Personally, I hate that the relentless cycle of creating more items only feeds into the materialistic mindset that turns these hobbies into money-making ventures.
In a world that encourages constant consumption, it’s refreshing to enjoy the feeling that “less is more” as much as possible. The essence of collecting lies in appreciating the uniqueness of each item and the stories it tells, not in amassing as much as possible. The desire to replicate other people’s collections, the fear of missing out and the obsession with acquiring more have taken us away from the true spirit of collecting. Why can’t we just be sensible and enjoy what we have? Why do we always have to push the boundaries of these concepts until we destroy their meaning?
I think it’s time we got back to the roots of collecting and appreciated the treasures we collect for their heartfelt value rather than their price tags. We can do it again, just as we did when we were children.
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