Why Do We Want This Stuff? The Psychology of Collecting

Join us at the perfectly fitting BARTER LV (Beer + Mall)—not just to browse and buy, but to explore the meaning behind wanting things. Why do we collect not just a thing, but all the things? Why do we feel a little thrill when we find that elusive item we’ve been hunting for? Is it the dopamine hit? The nostalgia? The thrill of the thrift?

We’ll chat about:

• Why some objects feel meaningful (and others feel like junk)
• The psychology of collecting
• The satisfaction of owning every version of something
• And yes… the mysterious power of yard sales and flea markets

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, right?

Before the meetup:
Here are a few short videos to spark your curiosity and get the conversation going:

1. The Psychology of Collecting – Why Do We Collect Things?
2. People Won't Remember Your things | The Minimalists
3. Hobby or Hoarding

And don’t forget to bring a little pocket change, you just might find that last piece your collection has been waiting for.