Masuk Free Press

Everything from your favorite food to the shoes you chose to wear this morning has an underlying meaning. A water bottle’s hidden meaning is most likely something you have never thought about, but it is more than just a way to stay hydrated. The water bottle serves as a fashion statement, a status symbol and a mirror of our consumer-driven culture. 

Water bottle culture goes beyond function; it reflects our consumer-driven society where even everyday items become markers of where we belong. Our choice of water bottle speaks volumes, about not our hydration preferences, but our values, goals and social standing. The cost of a water bottle does not just represent its worth, but the cultural significance it holds. 

Social trends such as the VSCO girl epidemic in 2020 and the Stanley takeover of 2023 have conveyed how easily influenced today’s youth is when it comes to materialistic items. Following a trend as simple as a popular water bottle can reflect an individual’s need to belong. While some may view splurging on a designer water bottle as extravagant, for others it is an investment in style and status. The constant pursuit of the model, the brand or the most Instagram-worthy design fuels a cycle of consumption and insecurity that often overlooks environmental and ethical considerations. 

“A water bottle is not supposed to be a collectible or an item that you hoard, it’s a $50 cup which is pretty expensive,” said senior Erin Davis. “So I think that a lot of the customers, especially younger girls, don’t really understand the effects of buying multiple water bottles. This is especially reflected in the younger generation and can be seen at Masuk.” 

The favored water bottle within our own Masuk community is always changing, influenced by factors such as peer pressure and marketing strategies. However, two brands that remain consistently popular are Hydro Flask and Stanley. Known for their design, colorful options and devoted following, these two brands are often the choices for students looking for both flair and practicality. 

“The point of a reusable water bottle is to have one that you reuse. The problem with people who own Stanleys is that they want not one, not two, but they want every single model that comes out. And Stanley takes advantage of this by launching new colors, knowing that their customers will keep buying and buying and buying,” said Davis. 

The variety of water bottle options from a stainless steel tumbler to a neon Hydro Flask reveals much about our personalities and how we want others to perceive us. Hidden beneath this facade of self-expression lies a reality: the influence of consumerism. Constantly bombarded with messages pushing us to purchase the newest and trendiest water bottles, we believe our value is linked to the brands we choose. In our rush to blend in and keep up with the trends we often ignore the ethical consequences of our buying habits.

“I think that people really use water bottles for popularity status. You’re not really getting it because it’s functional because a Stanley is a huge water bottle and you can’t even put it in your car cup holder. People just get it because it’s popular when there are many other cheaper high-quality opinions,” said senior Haley Ferris. 

The cost of a water bottle sparks debate by shedding light on the contradictions of consumerism. While some argue that the price reflects the product’s quality and design, others view it as a symptom of another issue: turning essentials into commodities. 

“I think that people fall into wanting what their friends have and turn a blind eye to the price so they can fit in,” said freshman Caim Callison.

The price of something as small as the water bottle you own is a larger reflection of how you wish others would perceive you. Studies have shown when individuals are faced with two different brands of the same clothing item, individuals will choose the item with the known name and the higher price tag. Why? Because the popularity of the name brand will send a status signal of wealth and belonging to those around that individual.

Water bottle culture at Masuk High School provides insight into the intricacies of our consumption-driven society. Whether you choose the Hydro Flask or the Stanley or even a “cheaper” bottle, keep in mind that your decision communicates more than just your hydration preferences—it reflects our society where even simple accessories carry complex meanings.