How does symbolic interactionism apply in today's society?

This theory can explain problems in our society. Drug and alcohol abuse is one of them, all throughout our society drug and alcohol is shown as cool and it is available everywhere. In movies it is shown to give you power and happiness, you see in most movies the more popular kid is having the party with alcohol. Those examples show why there is so much abuse of the substances. Another example is poverty; symbolic interactionism shows why it is a big problem in society. In society today we are very materialistic; we need the latest fashion or the newest toy at any cost. It shows other people how much better you are then others and gives you a sense of fulfillment in life. Most people will keep sending even when they have nothing left to spend to let others know they are living it up even when they are scared themselves. This leads to debt and poverty.