Tis the season is everyday for someone looking for a dopamine fix by shopping. I have become frustrated with my inability to live with less. Most of the things I purchase are wants and not needs. If you examine Lori Santos PhD work on The science of well being, many of the desires we have are miswanting. Things in the long term that won’t make us any happier. Her class is free through Coursera and I encourage you to take it.

Amazon was my go-to place for things I don’t need. The app, by design, makes it super easy to doom scroll for miswanting. I learned to leave items in the cart for a while then after I thought about it, I’d delete the items. Now I’ve removed the app from all my devices.

People with gambling addictions can send a notice called “self exclusion” to casinos asking to be banned from entry. I suppose one way to do this with shopping is to completely close your accounts.

As if that’s not enough, there are reports that there is a price fluctuation at Amazon between Prime members and non. As seen in this article, it is suggested that a Prime member will pay more for an item to offset free shipping.

Are You a Mindless Consumer? Have you ever felt an uncontrollable urge to buy something, even if you don’t need it? Do you find yourself drawn to flashy sales and limited-time offers? If so, you’re not alone.

The documentary “Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy” delves deep into the psychological tactics and manipulative strategies employed by retailers to entice us to spend our hard-earned money.

Decoding the Consumerist Code, the film exposes the intricate web of marketing techniques designed to exploit our deepest desires and insecurities. From carefully crafted store layouts to the subtle science of color psychology, every aspect of the shopping experience is meticulously engineered to maximize consumer spending.

Key Takeaways from the Documentary, the Illusion of Choice: While we may believe we have free will in our purchasing decisions, the reality is that retailers carefully curate product placement and availability to steer us toward specific items.

Emotional Manipulation: Advertisers prey on our emotions, associating products with feelings of happiness, success, and belonging. This creates a powerful emotional connection that often overrides rational decision-making. Of course hedonic adaptation will kick in and the euphoric feeling will dissipate quickly

The Power of Branding: Brand loyalty is a potent force, and companies invest heavily in creating strong brand identities that resonate with consumers on a subconscious level.

The Cult of Celebrity: Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing leverage our admiration for public figures to promote products and create a sense of desirability.

The Trap of Consumer Debt: The ease of obtaining credit cards and loans encourages impulsive buying and can lead to a cycle of debt that’s difficult to break.

Breaking Free from the Consumerist Mindset: The documentary challenges us to question our consumption habits and become more conscious consumers. Here are some practical steps we can take to resist the allure of impulsive buying:

Needs vs. Wants: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s simply a want.

Research and Compare: Don’t fall for impulse buys. Take the time to research products and compare prices before making a decision.

Avoid Emotional Spending: Be mindful of your emotions when shopping. If you’re feeling stressed, sad, or bored, it’s best to postpone any major purchases.

Shop with a List: Create a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Embrace Minimalism: Consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle by decluttering your home and focusing on experiences rather than material possessions.

Subliminal Advertising:Subliminal advertising, the practice of embedding imperceptible messages into media to influence consumer behavior, has been a topic of public concern and debate for decades. While the effectiveness of such techniques remains scientifically contested, the potential for manipulation has led to government scrutiny and, in some cases, regulation. This report examines notable instances of government investigation into subliminal advertising.
Key Cases and Regulatory Actions

• United States:
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
  • In 1974, the FCC issued a policy statement declaring the use of subliminal advertising as “contrary to the public interest.”
  • While not legally binding, this statement signaled the agency’s disapproval and potential for future action.
  • The FCC has addressed few subliminal advertising complaints, with one notable case in 1987 where a radio station was “admonished” for transmitting subliminal messages during an anti-smoking program.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
  • The FTC, responsible for consumer protection, has not established specific regulations on subliminal advertising.
  • Their focus remains on deceptive advertising practices in general, which could encompass subliminal techniques if proven to mislead consumers.
• United Kingdom:
• The UK has implemented stricter regulations against subliminal advertising.
• The Independent Television Commission (ITC), now replaced by Ofcom, had explicit codes prohibiting the use of subliminal techniques in broadcast advertising.
• Australia:
• Similar to the UK, Australia has banned subliminal advertising, considering it a form of deceptive conduct.
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees compliance with these regulations.
  Scientific Evidence and Public Perception
• Limited scientific evidence: Extensive research has yielded little conclusive evidence to support the effectiveness of subliminal advertising in significantly altering consumer behavior.
• Public perception and ethical concerns: Despite the lack of strong scientific backing, public perception of subliminal advertising remains largely negative. Ethical concerns persist regarding the manipulative potential of such techniques, even if their effectiveness is debated.
  Challenges in Regulation
• Defining subliminal: Establishing a clear definition of what constitutes a “subliminal” message is challenging. This ambiguity can hinder the development and enforcement of specific regulations.
• Proof of effect: Demonstrating a direct causal link between subliminal messages and consumer behavior is difficult, making it challenging to prove deceptive intent or harm.
• Evolving technology: New technologies and media platforms present evolving challenges in monitoring and regulating potential subliminal advertising techniques.
  Conclusion
  While government investigations and regulations regarding subliminal advertising exist, they vary in scope and enforcement. The limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of such techniques, coupled with the challenges in defining and proving their impact, contributes to the complexity of regulation. However, ethical concerns and public perception continue to drive scrutiny and debate surrounding the use of subliminal advertising.
  Further Research
• Specific regulations and guidelines from relevant government bodies (FCC, FTC, Ofcom, ACMA)
• Academic studies and reports on the effectiveness of subliminal advertising
• Ethical discussions and analyses of subliminal advertising practices
  Note: This report provides a general overview of government investigations into subliminal advertising. For legal advice or specific regulatory information, consulting with relevant authorities is recommended.

Conclusion: “Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy” serves as a wake-up call, urging us to reclaim control over our spending habits and make informed choices. By understanding the psychological tactics employed by retailers, we can break free from the consumerist mindset and cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling relationship with money.

Have you seen “Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy”? What are your thoughts on the film’s message? Share your insights in the comments below!

Listen to Buy Now, science on getting you to shop and buy by Crazy Old Gringo on #SoundCloud
https://on.soundcloud.com/wuEzPGmetpmGViFo7