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The terms “immediate gratification” and “instant gratification” sound similar – and they are. However, these two terms are also different in many respects.Immediate gratification puts short term goals ahead of longer terms goals. To want immediate gratification is to want immediate rewards rather than deferring gratification for better long term rewards and benefits. It is a matter of choosing want over need when given choices.
Instant gratification, on the other hand, is characterized by a mindset that demands to instantly gets what is wanted, without regard for the consequences to others or society. It can be viewed as acting in self-interest at the expense of others. There is also a belief associated with instant gratification that it is deserved. This mode of thinking and behavior can have serious long term consequences in business and government. Popular culture unfortunately places a high value on making a lot of money quickly – at any cost and regardless of who gets hurt. It is also called greed.
Both of these forms of gratification are highly prevalent in America’s consumer society and are heavily encouraged by advertising and the media. As Psychology Today noted, “The world is full of instant responses.” This constant bombardment by the media re enforces immediate and instant gratification behavior while blunting rational thinking that differentiates want from need.
As America emerges from a sobering recession one of the positives outcomes may be that consumers, business people and government officials will begin to take a more responsible and longer view of spending, business and policy decisions with goals that will have lasting benefits and always focus on need over want.
