cover image is from->Image by catalyststuff on Magnific
This is not a technical post, but something I’ve been thinking about lately.
On one side, many scientists, engineers, startup founders, and developers live surprisingly simple lives. You see people at companies like Google, OpenAI, or research labs wearing the same hoodie every day, using old backpacks, drinking plain coffee, and focusing deeply on their work.
On the other side, social media constantly tells young people that they need more:
more skincare,
more fashion trends,
more luxury cafés,
more “must have” products,
more aesthetics,
more shopping hauls,
more routines.
Personally, I find this culture difficult to relate to. The less you consume the less you need. Especially on platforms driven by influencers, life is no longer presented as something to experience. It becomes something to perform.
And the contrast is hard to ignore.
I sometimes feel that scientists, researchers, and professors are no longer cultural role models for younger generations.
Many highly intelligent and productive people simplify their lives to protect their attention.
Meanwhile, algorithms encourage everyone else to consume endlessly.
Simplicity Is Not Laziness
There is a reason many developers and scientists dress simply.
People like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and many engineers in Silicon Valley became known for repetitive, minimal clothing styles.
Not because they could not afford more. Because reducing unnecessary decisions saves mental energy.
When your brain is focused on building products, solving problems, writing code, researching medicine, or designing systems, appearance becomes less important than clarity.
Simplicity creates focus.
A quiet room.
A basic outfit.
A clean workspace.
A smaller circle.
Less noise.
image is from->Image by freepik
For many builders, minimalism is not a fashion statement.
It is an optimization strategy.
The Influencer Economy Profits From Insecurity
Social media works differently.
Influencer culture often depends on creating dissatisfaction:
your outfit is outdated,
your body is imperfect,
your lifestyle is boring,
your room needs redesigning,
your skin needs fixing,
your morning routine is wrong.
The business model is simple:
make people feel incomplete,
then sell them the solution(!)
Sometimes the pressure is different depending on gender.
Many young women are pushed toward beauty products, fashion trends, and appearance focused consumption from a very early age through social media and advertising.
Meanwhile, many men are pushed toward status symbols, gadgets, cars, or financial success.
Both are forms of consumer pressure. And algorithms reward this behavior because insecurity drives engagement.
The result is a generation constantly comparing themselves to curated lifestyles that are often unrealistic, filtered, sponsored, or financially unsustainable.
Consumption Has Become an Identity
Years ago, people bought products because they needed them. Now many people buy products to build an online identity.
Coffee becomes content.
Books become decoration.
Travel becomes proof.
Gyms become aesthetics.
Even productivity becomes performance.
Sometimes people are no longer asking:
“Do I need this?”
They ask:
“Would this look good online?”
Builders Often Think Long-Term
One thing I notice about many developers, engineers, and technical people is that they often prioritize long-term freedom over short-term appearance.
Instead of spending constantly to impress strangers online, they invest time into skills:
- coding
- research
- writing
- building products
- learning systems
- creating businesses
I believe the reward is slower.
But usually more real.
While social media trends change every month, deep skills compound for years.
Maybe Simplicity Is Becoming Rebellious Again
In a world trying to monetize attention every second, simplicity almost feels rebellious.
- Wearing basic clothes.
- Ignoring trends.
- Using things longer.
- Reading instead of scrolling.
- Building instead of performing.
None of these things look exciting on social media.
But they might create a calmer and more meaningful life.
And maybe that is why so many builders quietly choose simplicity.
I think Im going to wear my hoodie until it falls apart.
“Simplicity is prerequisite for reliability.”
― Edsger W. Dijkstra
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