Question of the week: Do you think Hong Kong is overwhelmed by consumerism?

Faristha Fathima, 14, St Margaret's Co-Ed English Secondary and Primary School

Most Hong Kong people get a high salary. The more they earn, the more they spend. They buy the latest gadgets and throw away the old ones, polluting the environment. People don't know the value of things. They should learn to treasure what they've got. Many people in other parts of the world can't afford such hi-tech gadgets. Hongkongers should try to help the poor instead of buying things they already have. They should learn to reuse their belongings, while the government should introduce laws relating to recycling by factory owners.

Jansico Chu Man-fai, 17, Queen's College

I think so. Hong Kong is renowned as a shopping paradise, and with the media and the internet playing a key role, people are overwhelmed with brand-name products. Besides, many people believe that being richer means they are more successful, so they like to show off in order to gain more attention. Peer pressure and the influence of pop stars have worsened the situation. It's common to see people wasting a lot of money on unnecessary things. This has become a trend and unfortunately many Hongkongers equate personal happiness with their purchasing power. I want to emphasise that we should not rely too much on brand-name goods. Instead, we should have our own style and not follow trends blindly.

Beverly Yau Hong-yin, 17, Hang Seng School of Commerce

Teenagers indulge in everything that's hip, ranging from electronic games and the latest mobile phones to brand-name goods and accessories. Even grown-ups waste time and effort buying unnecessary items just to boost their image. It's a fact that Hong Kong is obsessed with consumerism. Some people try to imitate socialites, celebrities and other icons. I regard the phenomenon as a natural trend as Hongkongers enjoy stability and economic prosperity. Therefore, the majority strive to fulfil their wants as far as possible. The city has the latest technology and gadgets from all over the world. I think consumerism in Hong Kong is a by-product of globalisation.