We all know that moment — when someone pulls out the latest device and flashes it around, hoping it’ll make a certain impression.
It’s not always a bad thing.
Sometimes, we buy gadgets because they genuinely help us, or because we’re passionate about tech.
But let’s be real: there’s a trend of buying certain items purely to project an image of “success.”
This often happens among folks in the lower-middle-class bracket who feel external pressure to prove they’re doing okay financially — even if reality is more complicated.
I’ve been there.
Years ago, I grabbed a fancy phone upgrade just to look like I had it all together. But later I realized how draining it can be to chase an image rather than focusing on what really matters.
Below are 8 gadgets people commonly purchase to boost their perceived status. If you spot yourself in any of these, take it as a moment to reflect on whether the purchase is actually serving you or just fueling someone else’s idea of success.
1. The latest flagship smartphone
One of the most common “image-boosters” is grabbing a brand-new flagship phone every time it’s released.
Whether it’s the latest iPhone or a cutting-edge Android, these devices can cost upwards of a thousand dollars—and that’s before accessories and monthly data plans.
A friend of mine confessed she actually took out a small personal loan to afford her phone, even though her old one was only a year behind in software updates.
She admitted it wasn’t about improved performance; it was about how people looked at her when she flashed that shiny device.
John C. Maxwell once said, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”
In the context of smartphones, people might see the brand in your hand, but sense the insecurity behind it if you’re stretching your wallet too thin.
It’s worth asking:
Am I upgrading because the phone genuinely enhances my daily life — or because it elevates how I’m perceived?
2. Designer headphones
We’ve all noticed someone sporting those sleek over-ear headphones with the iconic logo.
Sure, premium sound quality can be fantastic, but sometimes the purchase is more about signaling taste and wealth rather than purely enjoying music.
I used to crave a pair of expensive, noise-canceling headphones purely for the “cool factor.”
Eventually, I realized a mid-range pair offered nearly the same sound at a fraction of the cost. If music is your passion, investing in quality gear makes sense.
But if it’s just to be spotted wearing that recognizable brand on your commute, you might want to reconsider—especially if it strains your budget.
Stephen Covey often spoke about defining success on your own terms, not society’s.
If having top-tier audio genuinely matters to you, go for it. But if it’s just for show, that money might be better saved or spent on something that adds real value to your life.
3. Smartwatches with minimal actual use
Smartwatches can be incredibly helpful — tracking fitness goals, managing notifications, even running apps on the go. But I’ve seen countless people buy the priciest smartwatch on the market, only to use it as a glorified watch face.
They rarely utilize features like health monitoring or productivity apps, and after a few months, it becomes another piece of tech that goes half-loved.
A coworker of mine once told me she felt “left out” because all her friends had slick wrist gadgets.
So, she bought one to keep up appearances, not because she actually needed the functionality.
The monthly credit card bill became a sore point, but she brushed it off, saying it made her feel part of a more “successful” crowd.
It’s worth testing out whether you’ll use those features before dropping hundreds of dollars.
Sometimes, a simple fitness tracker or a regular watch suits your lifestyle just as well — without the brand-name markup.
4. High-end laptops for casual browsing
There’s a big difference between someone who needs a powerful computer for graphic design, coding, or video editing versus someone who mostly checks email and streams Netflix.
Still, many people jump straight to ultra-expensive models because they assume cost equates to status.
I once went all-in on a top-tier laptop for a digital communications job, but the truth was, I didn’t need half of its horsepower. A mid-range model would have handled my tasks fine.
I felt a pang of regret when I realized I could have saved at least $500 by being honest about my actual usage.
If your ambition is purely to own a flashy device, that’s one thing.
But if you’re serious about financial wellness, matching your laptop choice to your real needs is often the wiser route.
5. Premium coffee machines at home
Have you seen those glossy espresso machines that promise café-quality beverages in seconds — often for a steep price?
While many coffee enthusiasts genuinely use them, others buy these machines mostly to keep on the counter as a conversation piece.
I had a neighbor who boasted about her impressive espresso setup, but I rarely saw her actually make coffee at home. She still dashed out to the local café most mornings.
The machine sat there, mostly untouched, like a trophy of success rather than a practical appliance.
If you’re a true coffee lover, great!
Savor that daily ritual.
But if the machine is collecting dust, maybe it’s more about flaunting an image of sophistication.
And let’s be honest, a humble French press can deliver a stellar cup without busting your budget.
6. Over-the-top gaming setups
For serious gamers, a high-end rig makes total sense — especially if they’re streaming or competing. But there’s a segment of buyers who invest in a fancy RGB-lit PC, multiple monitors, and high-quality headsets just to appear tech-savvy or “in the know.”
In reality, they might only fire up a casual game once in a blue moon.
I remember a friend posting photos of her new gaming setup on social media with proud hashtags like #PCMasterRace, but later confessing she was too busy to game more than an hour a week.
She admitted it felt nice to brag about it, though.
This is another instance where you have to weigh the cost against actual usage.
If gaming is your passion, go for it. Otherwise, think twice before you deck out a whole “battle station” that ends up being mostly for show.
7. Smart home devices you rarely use
Smart thermostats, voice assistants, and advanced security systems can be wonderful upgrades — if you actually utilize their features.
However, some people fill their homes with connected gadgets just to seem futuristic. They might not even program routines or truly need the advanced automation.
I once installed smart bulbs in every room, but realized I rarely bothered to adjust them through the app. It was, ironically, easier to flip the wall switch.
Over time, I came to see that I was more dazzled by the idea of having a “smart home” than by any real benefit it gave me.
If you genuinely crave the convenience or the energy savings of smart devices, that’s great. But if you’re adding these items solely for social cred, you might be missing the point—and shelling out more than necessary for features you don’t use.
8. Trendy cameras for the occasional snapshot
Finally, there’s the allure of expensive DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
For professional photographers, it’s part of the trade. For hobbyists, it might be a passion worth investing in.
Yet I’ve seen people who barely take photos drop a chunk of money on a fancy camera just to signal they have “creative” pursuits or a certain lifestyle.
A neighbor of mine once carried a sleek camera on every trip but mostly shot in auto mode, rarely printing or sharing the images.
He admitted it was “cool to be seen with it,” even though his smartphone could’ve done the job just fine.
If you love photography, absolutely splurge. But if you’re simply piling on gadgets to impress others, it might be time to reevaluate.
Often, a decent phone camera or a budget-friendly option works perfectly for casual pictures.
Wrapping up
We all want to feel confident and successful, and sometimes gadgets can symbolize a certain level of achievement. But it’s worth reflecting on whether these big-ticket items actually improve your life — or just strain your finances to maintain an illusion.
Here at DM News, we believe that real success involves a balance between what you display on the outside and what’s happening on the inside (like financial stability and genuine passion).
John F. Helliwell, a leading researcher behind the World Happiness Report, has pointed out that material wealth doesn’t necessarily correlate with personal fulfillment.
That rings especially true if your “wealth” is more about appearances than utility.
Rather than chasing the next flashy gadget, consider investing in experiences or skills that enrich your life — and choose tech that genuinely meets your needs.
At the end of the day, a gadget should serve you, not the other way around.
If you love that device and use it often, fantastic. If not, remember that seeming well-off and being well-off are two different things.
With mindful choices, you can align your purchases with who you truly are — and save your wallet a whole lot of regret down the line.
