Most purchases made on Black Friday are by people who don’t have enough money to buy things they don’t need to impress people who don’t care, and brings more guilt than satisfaction.
This post is published on the day after Black Friday, but two days before Cyber Monday 2024. This blog post is an honest essay on why we should be reminded (or educated, in some cases) of the harmful effects of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday hype.
In today’s world, consumerism has grown into a way of life. From social media influencers unboxing products to advertisements subtly dictating our needs, we are surrounded by messages that push us to buy more.
– Investopedia
Shopping has evolved beyond a necessity to a hobby, a social activity, and even a dangerous form of therapy. But this culture comes with hidden and not-so-hidden costs—overconsumption, financial stress, environmental degradation, and a perpetual dissatisfaction with what we already have. This constant pressure to upgrade and update has led to what sociologists call “competitive consumption” – where our purchases are increasingly driven by social status rather than actual need.
These things are of course bad for you individually, bad for your family, bad for your friends and bad for your community. And Black Friday fuels this culture.
The relentless pursuit of goods and services has become a hallmark of modern life, often leading to excessive consumption and financial strain for many individuals. This phenomenon is particularly evident during major sales events like Black Friday, where the allure of discounts and deals can overshadow the reality of financial limitations.
– Me
As societies worldwide—India included—embrace this culture, events like Black Friday have become pivotal in driving the consumer frenzy to unprecedented heights. This is not just about snagging a deal; it’s about reinforcing the notion that happiness lies in acquiring more.
Now you may ask, why can’t we embrace Black Friday while we anyway go on crazy shopping sprees for Diwali or Akshaya Tritiya? My immediate honest answer is that at least Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya are rooted in cultural and spiritual significance, whereas Black Friday (or similar “festivals” like Amazon’s “Great India Festival” or Flipkart’s “Big Billion Days”) has zero cultural or spiritual value.
What even is Black Friday and who started it?
Black Friday, originally an American phenomenon, marks the Friday following Thanksgiving. It became known as a day for big sales in the 1960s when retailers noticed a spike in holiday shopping. The term “Black Friday” reportedly referred to retailers transitioning from being “in the red” (unprofitable) to “in the black” (profitable).
Over the decades, it has transformed into a major shopping event marked by significant discounts and promotions. Retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy have played pivotal roles in expanding Black Friday’s reach beyond the U.S., turning it into an international event that now includes countries like India.
So what does it historically have to do with India?
Absolutely nothing.
With globalization, Black Friday has transcended borders, becoming a global shopping event. In countries like India, where e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart have strong footholds, the Black Friday frenzy has merged with local festive shopping traditions. However, this expansion has brought its share of challenges and concerns as shopping festivals normally do but more so. The difference with Black Friday is that since it is happening in the West and other “developed” countries at the same time, and given advancements in the logistics and shipping industries with options such as freight forwarding easily available, the scale and effects of such a large shopping festival are expanded during Black Friday.
In India, apart from the usual e-commerce suspects, large companies have hopped on this bandwagon to try and goad you into spending more money than you need (or probably have) to buy their products.
And, sales or massive hyped up discounts are being offered not only for electronics or apparel.
On the surface, it looks like there’s nothing wrong in using a global phenomenon to “offer” discounts on popular goods and services to consumers. It’s definitely not illegal. And let’s say you wanted to buy a PlayStation 5 for a long time, if it’s on sale for ₹5,000/- less, nothing wrong in it.
The harm that is causes is not illegal, but is hidden and will definitely be felt over time but we may not ever realize it. And that’s the aim of this blog post – to make you realize the harm of a culturally bankrupt shopping festival like Black Friday.
What really is your problem with Black Friday?
While Black Friday appears to offer irresistible deals, it often comes at a cost to consumers and society at large. Here are some of the less-discussed consequences:
1. Financial Stress
Many of us are drawn into spending beyond our means, driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO). Flash sales and limited-time offers can lead to impulsive purchases, resulting in credit card debt and regret. This is compounded by the lure of EMI and “zero interest” installments that you put on your credit card and pay a ridiculous interest to your bank if life happens and you have a credit card outstanding amount.
2. Psychological Impact
The constant barrage of “unmissable” deals creates stress and anxiety. People often feel pressured to buy things they don’t need, leaving them dissatisfied when the excitement fades. Go back to the top of this blog post and see, at the very least, the two quotes about consumerism. And there’s also FOMO, which drives uptown 60% of purchases.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is real. Nearly 60 percent of consumers make purchases because of FOMO, mostly within 24 hours.
– Pawel Lawrowski, Wisepops
3. Environmental Toll
The production and shipping of goods bought during sales events contribute to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste. Overproduction for sale seasons exacerbates environmental degradation. Estimates vary, but CleanHub has reported that he amount of waste American households alone produce between Black Friday and New Year is 25% higher than the rest of the year.
4. Exploitation of Labor
To meet the demand of Black Friday, workers in retail and manufacturing often face harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours. The human cost of this event is often overlooked. Just remember the way Amazon treats its warehouse workers every time you make a purchase, or pay for your Prime subscription. This has been an issue for a long time, to know more read the reporting by Amnesty or The Guardian or others. And you can be sure this worker exploitation issue is not limited to Amazon alone.
5. Reinforcement of a Wasteful Culture
Events like Black Friday fuel the idea that happiness and success are tied to material possessions. This mindset discourages sustainable and minimalist living.
6. Erosion of local businesses
Those who have been following me for a while will know I always advocate for supporting local businesses. This is no different.
Large corporations dominate Black Friday sales, often at the expense of local businesses that cannot compete with their pricing strategies. This shift can harm local economies and reduce market diversity.
Okay fine! But I’m a compulsive shopper and when there’s a sale I can’t resist. What should I do?
Your battle will be half won if you pause for a moment between the point you “add to cart” and the point you “check out”.
If you’re a compulsive shopper, there might be a condition for which you need help / therapy. And there is no shame in this – I always advocate for seeking help, seeking professional help for those who have access to it.
For the vast majority, especially if you’re still eyeing those four-letter words until “Cyber Monday” rolls over, here are a few tips especially if it is difficult to escape the Black Friday frenzy entirely this year.
1. Evaluate Your Needs
Before the sales begin, make a list of items you genuinely need. Stick to this list, and resist the temptation to deviate. You may need a new washing machine. You may not need a PS5 Pro (one reason being to really appreciate the “Pro”-ness you need a really expensive TV). Btw in other news – the PS5 Pro is not yet launching in India as I had said in one of my #TWITI short episodes (sorry for the plug).
Identify what you genuinely need or want before browsing deals. This will help you focus on essential purchases rather than impulse buys.
2. Set a Budget
Determine how much you can afford to spend without straining your finances. Use this as a hard limit during your shopping. Use a trusted friend or family member for accountability – if you are about to exceed your budget let them stop you.
Focus on purchasing items that fulfill a need rather than succumbing to the temptation of unnecessary gadgets or luxuries.
3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Look for durable, high-quality items instead of chasing the lowest price. Sometimes, a better product at a slightly higher price offers more value in the long run, points number 1 and 2 above notwithstanding.
Look for second-hand options. Consider repairing existing items rather than replacing them. Get more value from what you already have. Be aware that not all “deals” are actually savings.
4. Support Local Businesses
Instead of buying from global giants (did I tell you that they exploit workers?), consider purchasing from local artisans or small businesses. This helps your community and reduces the environmental impact of shipping.
5. Delay Gratification
Ask yourself if you would buy the item at its original price. If the answer is no, you likely don’t need it, even at a discount.
If my blog was about philosophy, I’d be writing about delayed gratification and gratitude all day as a way to make life better.
6. Practice Gratitude
Speaking of gratitude! Reflect on what you already have and appreciate it. Gratitude can help reduce the urge to seek happiness in material possessions.
It’s all about conscious consumption. Got it!
Black Friday may be marketed as the ultimate opportunity to save, but in reality, it often costs more than we realize. By resisting the pull of consumerism and focusing on what truly matters—relationships, experiences, and sustainability—we can reclaim the season for ourselves.
While Black Friday may offer legitimate savings on necessary purchases, it’s essential to approach it with awareness and restraint. The true path to happiness doesn’t lie in accumulating more possessions but in cultivating meaningful relationships, experiences, and personal growth.
As conscious consumers, especially in emerging economies like India, we have the power to reshape the narrative around consumption. Let’s make this Black Friday different – not by completely avoiding it, but by approaching it with mindfulness, intention, and a clear understanding of what truly brings value to our lives.
Remember, the best deal isn’t always the one that saves you money – sometimes, it’s the one you don’t make at all.
Thank you for reading! My name is Erick and I am an Indian Tech blogger and content creator. I talk about more than just new gadgets and software – I try to talk about tech policy, trends and consumer behaviors that you need to know about and that could be affecting you.. I stay out of sponsorships, affiliates or sponsored content so that you can be assured that my reporting is completely independent.
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