The obsessions with consumerism in today’s society, especially American culture, is an abstract example of hyperrealism in the world. We attach meaning and and value to one item/brand over another based off preconceived notions of worth. This is “hyperreal” in the sense that there is no actual reason as to why one would be worth more than the other. The happiness we get from obtaining these items of “status” and wealth are all simulations of actual emotion. We are tricking our brains into thinking that these things are important, because society says they are important. It is a perpetual hyperreal cycle where we are constantly buying into consumerism in order to assimilate with the rest of society, giving worth to things that would otherwise be meaningless. What makes Vercace sunglasses any more valuable than a cheaper, comparable pair? The price is all that differs. When equal resources go into producing these two items, the price becomes an arbitrary value that we decide something is worth. But does an items worth not differ from person to person?
This article I found draws great comparisons between consumerism, hyperreality, and role television plays in perpetuating this cycle.
http://tvmultiversity.blogspot.com/2010/05/television-culture-and-consumerism.html