Have you ever thought about how much people connect to tangible things? We find comfort in objects, products, devices and food. We hold on to things for years because of sentimental value and the memories that that special something holds. Why is that?
Well, we, as humans, like to use our senses. We like to feel the warm sand on a beach. We enjoy the smell of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. And, now more than ever, we miss the sound of our favorite band at a concert.
Photo credit to Unsplash
Dr. Iyabo, a business and lifestyle coach, explains why humans live for tangible items.
“As humans, we generally place a lot more importance on the tangible aspects of life, as opposed to the intangibles. We like to see, feel, touch, hear, and taste. Our senses are acute, and we need those senses served and stimulated. A tangible thing is something that can be touched, that can be palpated. Something real and concrete” (Iyabo, 2017).
Tangible items can trigger numerous emotions, some good and some bad. An object like a face masks can keep bring relaxation, while a smartphone can bring stress and anxiety to the user. In addition, tangible and intangible items and ideas can go hand-in-hand and work together. After working on my computer for a long time, I may need to step outside and go for a walk to refocus and refresh my mind. Later, I feel rejuvenated after stepping out in nature and can work more effectively on my computer. In this situation, the intangible object helped me as the user work better on the tangible object.
The way we feel when we use objects or services is important. Does the product help you? Have you become too dependent on the service? Does your life improve after you use the product?
I found three different tangible items that I use almost every day (a product, service and device) and examine the psychology behind why I feel the way I do when I use these items.
I am #Basically a Starbucks Addict
Starbucks makes me FEEL INSPIRED and EXCITED for the day ahead because my NEED for JOY and SUSTENANCE is being met.
I go to Starbucks a lot. Normally, I go to the coffee house in the mornings after I go to the gym and am on my way to work. This is a comforting routine for me – it feels normal and gets me ready for work, especially during the crazy times of the pandemic. I enjoy having a routine, and this is part of it.
Starbucks reminds me of the dream kitchen I hope to have one day, and each Starbucks exudes warmth and inspiration. Before COVID-19 was part of our every day lives, I would love to work from a Starbucks. The drink and/or breakfast item I get gives me the kickstart I need and prepares me for the day ahead.
Grind Time
My gym makes me FEEL ALIVE and HAPPY because my NEED for INSPIRATION and MOVEMENT is met.
My gym, mActivity Fitness Center, is the place I can go and forget everything from work or other stressful parts of life. I normally go to the gym in the mornings, but sometimes I go at night after a long day. Even if I feel tired, going to the gym to just do some stretching or walking always makes me feel better. I feel like I have better days when I begin the day at the gym. I have been active my whole life, and the gym provides a place for me to improve my well-being and challenge myself.
Sony A600
My Sony camera makes me FEEL CONFIDENT and STIMULATED because my NEED for LEARNING and CREATIVITY is being met.
I purchased my own camera about a year ago. I love taking photos, and I wanted a better-quality camera for my professional work. The camera provides a place for me to grow as a professional and as a photographer. I am self-taught, so the functionality of the camera gives me a space to learn more on my own and experiment with it.
With these different products and services, I found that I enjoy the parts of life that inspire me and keep my going through the day. I tried to think of a service or product that creates more negative emotions during this exercise, and I found that my smart phone and laptop equally provide positive and negative feelings and needs. My smart phone helps me stay connected to family and friends, but I can be on it for too long and become anxious from social media. My laptop is a device I need and use every day, but I can become exhausted from looking at the screen and working on it all day.
In conclusion, it is interesting to see how tangible items affect us and understand the psychology behind why they do.
References
Iyabo. (10 July 2017). Tangible and intangible values. https://www.driyabo.com/2017/07/10/tangible-and-intangible-values/
MAGGIE PRUITT 