Why do people give others gifts on special occasions?
“At its core, gift-giving acts as social glue. It’s a tangible manifestation of our abstract feelings—a way to say, ‘I value you’ without uttering a word. Of course, there’s a heavy element of social obligation involved too; birthdays and weddings have become culturally codified as ‘gift-giving events.’ But psychologically, it’s reciprocal. The act of giving triggers a dopamine release for the giver just as much as the receiver. It reinforces the bond.”
Q: What is more important when it comes to giving a gift, cost or effort?
“Frankly, the thought counts for infinitely more than the price tag. A generic luxury item might impress someone momentarily, but a gift that requires emotional labor—like tracking down a rare book or crafting something by hand—resonates on a much deeper level. It proves you’ve actually paid attention to the person’s inner world. Monetary value is fleeting; sentimental value is what endures.”
Q: How has gift giving changed since your grandparents’ time?
“The evolution has been stark. My grandparents’ generation operated in an era of scarcity, so gifts were largely utilitarian—things you actually needed to survive or run a household. Nowadays, we live in an era of abundance, so gifts have shifted toward novelty and luxury. We’ve also seen the commodification of affection, where advertising convinces us that love can be bought. It’s become less about the gesture and more about the transaction, facilitated by the instant gratification of online shopping.”
Q: Some people think that we spend too much money on gifts and celebrations nowadays. Do you agree with that?
“I couldn’t agree more. We’ve entered an age of performative generosity. Social media has turned private celebrations into public spectacles, creating this toxic pressure to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’ You see it clearly with children’s parties, which have morphed from simple backyard gatherings into extravagant productions. We’ve lost the plot. The focus has shifted from genuine connection to status signaling, and frankly, it’s a colossal waste of resources.”
Q: What sort of problems might that cause, for example, for the environment?
“The ecological footprint is disastrous. We are fueling a throwaway culture. Think of the sheer volume of single-use plastics involved in packaging and wrapping, not to mention the ‘fast gifts’—cheap novelties that are destined for the landfill within weeks. The carbon emissions generated by manufacturing and shipping these non-essential items globally is difficult to justify. We are essentially converting the planet’s finite resources into fleeting moments of gratification.”
Q: Do you think that will be the same in the future?
“I suspect we’re on the cusp of a paradigm shift. The younger generation seems far more attuned to sustainability, favoring the ‘experience economy’—concert tickets or workshops—over material clutter. However, consumerism is a hard habit to break. I foresee a bifurcation: one group embracing minimalism and digital gifting, while another clings to traditional, material excess. It won’t happen overnight, but the trend line is pointing toward consciousness.”
Q: What kind of people become famous in your country?
“It’s a fascinating mix of meritocracy and the cult of personality. Traditionally, talent was the gatekeeper—elite athletes, particularly in badminton or football, and skilled entertainers held the spotlight. But recently, the barrier to entry has collapsed. We’re seeing a surge of viral sensations and influencers who are famous simply for being relatable—or controversial—online. Fame has become democratized, but also more ephemeral. You don’t need to be exceptional anymore; you just need to be visible.”
