“I feel like since I’ve been able to use my phone to buy things, I’ve been spending so much more money because of the ease of it,” said senior Carlos Aldecoa

For instance, Apple Wallet might alert users to one-time deals or discounts on goods it knows particularly consumers are already interested in. These alerts may induce a sense of immediacy and FOMO (fear of missing out); encouraging users to buy things on impulse without giving much thought as to whether the items are truly needed or even affordable.

Similarly, Amazon has also been associated with ease and variety. It is simple to get sucked into the trap of shopping for things no one really needs with their enormous product selection and quick shipping. Additionally, the algorithms within the app are designed to present tailored recommendations and exclusive offers, increasing user likeliness to make impulsive purchases. 

In this day and age, it is critical to be aware of spending patterns to prevent young consumers from falling for these calculated strategies. Making a shopping list, budgeting, and pausing to think things through before clicking “buy” are all ways to make better selections and save money. Of course, it is also beneficial to simply remove apps or turn off shopping app notifications that drive users to spend excessively.