ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the current explosion of consumerism as facilitated by information communication technologies (ICTs). It briefly explores the history of mass production and consumption as a consequence of the standardized manufacturing techniques that grew out of the Industrial Revolution. The chapter describes a number of examples of the new products and services whose consumption is possible only with ICTs. It also examines the role of the advertising industry in promoting the consumer society. Amazon, the online retailing empire is the best example of the new means of ICT enabled consumption. This company pioneered online retail selling. Mobile computing enables buying and selling regardless of time or place. Devices equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) provide numerous additional capabilities. ICTs are enabling a wider range of new services and products to strengthen further the foundation of an economic system dependent upon ever-expanding levels of consumption.
