RISE OF LIFESTYLE JUSTIFICATION



 “Lifestyle” Becomes an Excuse

The Rise of “Lifestyle” Justifications

In today’s world, almost anything can be justified as a “lifestyle choice.” Behaviors that were once frowned upon, questioned, or considered morally wrong have quietly slipped into the realm of normalcy. And what’s more surprising is how effortlessly we accept them—sometimes under the banner of “vibes,” other times as a way to fit in.
"Peer pressure is subtle, but its impact can be profound. What seems like fun today can shape what we accept as normal tomorrow.”

Take a moment to look around: social media posts, viral trends, and casual conversations. Peer pressure isn’t always loud or aggressive; often, it whispers. What was once clearly labeled “bad behavior” is now celebrated as confidence, boldness, or simply “living your best life.” Chasing clout, flaunting excess, or normalizing dishonesty has slowly woven itself into the fabric of everyday culture.

Why We Accept It
Humans are social creatures. The need to belong often outweighs the urge to stand alone. When someone flaunts a lifestyle that seems glamorous or “cool,” others feel compelled to imitate it—even if it conflicts with their own values. What starts as curiosity or experimentation can quickly morph into acceptance, then routine. Before long, behaviors once questioned are no longer examined at all.

Cultural shifts also play a role. Ideas that were once taboo—excessive materialism, casual relationships, bending rules to get ahead—are increasingly presented as normal, even aspirational. Popular culture reinforces this through music, shows, and memes, making it harder to separate genuine choice from societal pressure.

"The line between individuality and conformity blurs, leaving us to wonder: are we living by our own choices, or just following the crowd?”

The Cost of Normalization
The danger lies in what we stop questioning. When the term “lifestyle” becomes a shield for poor choices, reflection takes a back seat. We risk confusing fleeting approval with genuine values, and temporary excitement with true fulfillment. Over time, this normalization can dull our moral compass, leaving us desensitized to behavior that once sparked critical thought.

According to a 2023 survey on youth behavior trends, over 60% of young adults admitted they occasionally follow trends online even when they personally disagree with them, simply to “fit in.” This shows how peer influence can subtly erode individual principles.

Living Deliberately
The question we need to ask ourselves is simple: Are we living deliberately, or are we letting culture, trends, and clout dictate our morals? Being aware doesn’t mean rejecting all trends or modern ideas—it means choosing thoughtfully, understanding the consequences of our actions, and holding onto the principles that truly matter. Lifestyle should enhance life, not excuse the erosion of character.

At the end of the day, the choice is ours. We can follow the tide blindly, or we can pause, reflect, and reclaim what it means to live with intention. After all, a lifestyle without conscience is just a performance, and a life without reflection is a story someone else is writing for you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE SOFT REBELLION OF REST

Image
The Soft Rebellion of Rest We are the generation that forgot how to rest. The one that glorified sleepless nights, turned burnout into a badge of honor, and began to measure success by how much we could handle before collapsing. Between classes, side hustles, online content, and the constant hum of notifications, our days blur into motion. Stopping feels unnatural—almost suspicious. Yet the numbers tell a story we can’t ignore. The World Health Organization reports that more than 60% of young adults globally experience some level of mental fatigue linked to overwork and lack of rest. Locally, a 2024 University of Nairobi study found that nearly 70% of students struggle with symptoms of burnout, ranging from anxiety to sleep deprivation. The same research linked excessive screen time and academic pressure to declining concentration and overall life satisfaction. It’s ironic. We were told to dream big, to hustle, to chase opportunities. But somewhere along that chase, we bega...
Read more

Morality on Life Support

Image
Morality on Life Support There’s a quiet crisis unfolding around us — not one of money or politics, but of conscience. You can feel it in the news, in classrooms, in how people talk about leadership. The rules that once held society together are starting to feel negotiable, and we’ve gotten too used to shrugging it off. Lately, it feels like society’s compass is spinning. Everyone can sense it — that quiet unease that something deeper than politics or the economy is off. We blame corruption, broken systems, selfish leaders, but beneath it all sits a moral crisis eating through our institutions and, slowly, our confidence in one another. Across Kenya, trust has been eroding. A recent survey by The Star found that only 38% of Kenyans still trust government institutions. That’s down from over half a decade ago. Trust in the presidency — once soaring above 70% in 2014 — now sits at around 45%, and confidence in the police has dropped to about 36%, according to AllAfrica. These ...
Read more