But let’s be real—capitalism (IMO) is the disease. No matter how much people try to defend it, it’s a corrosive system. Wealth inequality keeps growing, the housing crisis worsens every day, and simply affording the basics feels impossible.
Capitalism has brainwashed us into believing that our worth depends on how productive we are, that careers should always come before family, and that hard work inevitably pays off. None of that feels even remotely reasonable in 2025.
With so many crises piling up, I want to hear from you, the BuzzFeed Community: In what ways do you think capitalism has ruined us or totally brainwashed us?
Remember how skipping breaks, answering emails at 2 a.m., or bragging about your 60-hour workweek was somehow cool? Or how burnout became a badge of honor instead of a warning sign?
When was the last time you took a sick day without feeling guilty? Capitalism teaches us that we’re only as good as the task we complete.
It has twisted ambition into putting work above all else. Were you ever told to “leave your personal life at the door” or that “work is your second home?” Have you been made to feel selfish for wanting a healthy work-life balance instead of grinding 24/7?
Between paying off student loans and keeping up with astronomically high rent, it feels like we’re stuck in a never-ending rat race where funds are depleted just as quickly as they’re deposited. It doesn’t feel like the system is designed for our benefit, huh?
If you’ve been feeling disillusioned by the reality of our economy, I want to hear the ways you believe capitalism has ruined us or brainwashed us completely as a society. Alternatively, fill out the form below if you prefer to remain anonymous. Your response could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed post.