20 of the Most Overrated Things in the World

Some things in life we put on a pedestal. But when you take a step back from all the hype surrounding something, you often realize that it’s grossly overrated.

Here’s a list of 20 of the most overrated things in the world and why they don’t deserve the high status most people give them.

1. Celebrity Culture

Getting swept up in the glitz and glamor of fame and fortune can be easy. However, when you think about it, celebrities are just normal people like the rest of us. Many people think that if only they got a big break and became famous, all their problems would be solved. But the truth is that lots of celebrities aren’t happy with their lives either!

2. Expensive Designer Clothing

There’s something to be said about investing in high-quality clothes that are sustainable and can last you for years. However, paying for a basic tee shirt that costs hundreds of dollars because of the trendy logo printed on the front is completely overrated. Instead of throwing money away on designer clothes, wear clothing you genuinely like that expresses your unique style.

3. Reality TV Shows

As much as we all love to hang on the edge of our seats while we wait to see who will go home without a rose on the latest episode of The Bachelor, most people are aware nowadays that reality TV is often scripted. If we can remind ourselves that what we’re watching is not very “real” after all, we might realize how overrated some of our favorite shows are.

4. Selfies

This type of smartphone picture was all the rage about a decade ago, but today, selfies are totally overrated. It can be cool to capture a memory of you and your loved ones during a special occasion or when you’re traveling. But taking selfies every single day is just a waste of time.

5. Fast Fashion

Although it is tempting to buy a shirt that only costs $3, you must remember that you might only get 3 hours of wear out of such a cheaply made item. These garments are not produced sustainably and won’t look good or last much time. It’s better for the world and your wallet to invest in high-quality clothing you can wear over and over again.

6. Social Media Influencers

How many times have you looked up to an influencer from YouTube, Instagram, or some other online platform only to realize that their life wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed? We only see the highlight reel of these people’s lives, so it is easy to become jealous and look up to influencers as a sort of celebrity. However, influencers are overrated, and much of what you see on social media isn’t real.

7. Luxury Cars

You don’t need the latest, greatest speed machine to get from Point A to Point B. If you’ve got lots of extra money to spend, go for it by all means. But if you need to be smart about your finances, you’re much better off investing in a simple but effective car that will stand the test of time. 

8. Exclusive Clubs and Memberships

People who truly hold status in society don’t need to prove their worth by waving around a fancy membership card. Whether it’s an exclusive social club or a high-class gym, no amount of money can buy you friends or confidence. It’s much more fulfilling and authentic to join organizations that truly speak to you rather than chasing what looks good to other people.

9. Superfood Fads

It seems like there’s a new “miracle” food every week. Don’t feel the need to follow dietary trends. Just eat whole, nutritious foods that make you feel your best.

10. 5-Star Hotels

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, staying at a fancy hotel with all the bells and whistles might be nice. But for normal travel, you can save money by staying in a nice but modest hotel. Expensive hotels are some of the most overrated things in the world, as you’re often paying more for the name than the actual amenities.

11. Overly Elaborate Weddings

There’s no reason to go into debt to throw a celebration that lasts a few hours. If you truly love the person you are marrying, the day will already be incredibly special.

12. Large Diamond Engagement Rings

The wedding industry has made a fortune selling people the idea that they need to fork over huge sums of money to prove they cherish their partner. Although getting a quality ring is nice, you don’t need to go overboard and splurge on something way too extravagant.

13. Movie Remakes

How many times can we rehash the same old franchise in a desperate attempt to make more money? Let’s give new and original movie ideas the space to succeed instead of dedicating full film budgets to remakes.

14. Upscale Coffee Shops

There’s something to be said for a high-quality cup of joe, but at some point, coffee is still just coffee. Pay a little more for your favorite brew, but run away if you see prices well above $5 for a simple drink!

15. Fine Dining with Small Portions

Sometimes it seems that the fancier the restaurant, the less you get to eat. While these small dishes can certainly look artistic, you may not leave the establishment with a full stomach. Settle for a place that’s nice but will still satisfy your cravings.

16. Designer Handbags

A $5 bag can hold your items just as well as a $5,000 bag. Don’t go overboard when it comes to buying expensive purses or clutches: find an affordable bag that works well for you.

17. Organic Beauty Products

Many brands slap buzz words like “organic” on their packaging to make you believe their product is natural and wholesome, but that isn’t always the case. Do your own research to determine which beauty products are worth the hype (and money).

18. Premium Cable TV Packages

When was the last time you watched half of the shows available on a standard cable plan? With the advent of streaming services, cable has become largely irrelevant. It’s definitely overrated and not worth your hard-earned money.

19. Gourmet Ice Cream

Just like it’s hard to mess up pizza, it’s hard to mess up ice cream. Sometimes paying $15 for a fancy cone of soft serve can make you enjoy the sweet treat less. You can enjoy perfectly good ice cream for way less money and have extra money to supply some for all your friends, too!

20. Celebrity Fragrances

Certain perfumes or colognes can be nice but beware of inflated price tags on products that are only hyped up because of the famous face plastered on the front of the packaging. Chances are, your favorite celebrity doesn’t even wear their own fragrance, so don’t waste your money on this genre of overrated things.

12 Phrases That Easily Offend Boomers

Communication is essential for building understanding and respect between different generations. Baby Boomers have their own set of phrases that can easily cause offense. It’s important to be aware of these phrases to foster positive interactions and bridge the generation gap.

12 Phrases That Easily Offend Boomers 

15 Things That Are A Scam But Have Been Normalized By Society

Have you ever seen something that is so crazy and ridiculous that you are sure it’s a scam but is actually normalized by society? Do you know that society is being scammed, but everyone is just acting like it’s normal?

15 Things That Are a Scam but Have Been Normalized by Society 

20 Subtle Cues That Are Dead Giveaways That People Grew Up Poor

In our complex society, how we present ourselves often speaks volumes about our background and upbringing. While it is important not to judge others based solely on appearances, certain subtle cues can give away how they were brought up.

20 Subtle Cues That Are Dead Giveaways That People Grew Up Poor

12 Common Addictions That Have Been Normalized by Society

Many addictive behaviors have become so ingrained in society that they often go unnoticed or even appear normal. These habits, which range from social media addiction to workaholism, have become accepted parts of our daily lives. However, it’s essential to recognize the impact these addictions can have on our well-being.

12 Common Addictions That Have Been Normalized by Society

20 Things That Improved People’s Life So Much They Deeply Regret Not Doing It Sooner

There are always things we wish we had done sooner, which could have improved our lives if we had acted on them earlier. There are some really easy ways to make your life easier, and people regret not trying to do them sooner.

20 Things That Improved People’s Life So Much They Deeply Regret Not Doing It Sooner