Is Amazon creating a culture of impulsivity?
Amazon has come a long way since it’s formation in 1994. Consumers now face the click of Prime Now and can have groceries delivered to their location in an hour. How great is this? Convenience, ease of purchase, and quick reward. However, backhandely, consumers are becoming wired to “Want it now.” Two day free-shipping has become less of a luxury and more of an entitled feature. Consumers no longer want to wait. In this evolution of new shopping behavior, consumers are at risk for expecting immediate gratification. Without realizing it, this expectation can influence other areas of a consumer’s life: I want this relationship now, I want this job now, I want to drive this car now, I want to become this in shape now. Now now now.
In a desirous state to see immediate results, get the “now” now, our culture can forget that growth, development, and accomplishing our goals take time. It can be demotivating to start a new workout routine, or new diet and realize that the “now” will not come as fast as your Amazon Prime purchase. Without realizing it, we are forgetting the old “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “good things take time” adages. It is important as a culture that in order to preserve mindsets that led to beautiful development and success, we remain mindful of good inputs and where those good inputs can lead over time. While Amazon has created much value for our society, it is also advantageous to be mindful of its downside.
