Grade 7

The Stuff of Consumer Culture

Why do we always want more?

Why Do We Buy What We Buy?

Source: Vox

In this interview, a sociologist explains how competition among consumers—not necessarily the providers of goods and services—is what drives spending.

‘The Latest Shopping Trend? Not Shopping

Source: CNN

Influencers sometimes push a lifestyle of constantly buying new clothing, high-tech gadgets, or the hottest new cosmetic products. But a growing number of people are becoming disillusioned with what they perceive as pressure to constantly purchase new things. Their solution? Buying less.

Paris Olympics ticket scams rise ahead of the summer games. Here’s what to look out for.

Source: CBS News

Anytime an event like the Olympics brings together large groups of people,many of whom are international tourists, scams are sure to follow. From fake tickets to fake souvenirs to the dangers of public wi-fi networks, here are some of the scams you should look out for when going to the Olympics—or any other large public event.

How Retailers Are Using AI To Manipulate Consumer Shopping

Source: Forbes

Have you ever wondered why some products appear at the top or bottom of online shopping search pages? Or why some items appear twice? Or why you may see identical items with different prices? Artificial Intelligence is powering more and more online and it has a growing ability to influence consumer decisions—and to do so in ways the consumer is unaware of.

Stanley Cups are Tearing Apart Middle Schools

Source: Business Insider

What are the downsides when something becomes extremely trendy? What if there isn’t enough to go around, or the price is too high for many to afford it? Stanley cups are showing the real world costs of being both a “have” and a “have-not.”

‘Sephora kids’ and the booming business of beauty products for children

Source: BBC

There is currently a surging trend in young preteen girls buying expensive make-up and other beauty products. Some older shoppers are complaining that they are rude and messy while doing it. Others think kids that young should not be be so obsessed with beauty products to begin with. Regardless, it shows a changing trend in who the consumers for these products are. Talk in your class about the trend and politely debate why this is a good or bad thing.

‘We Are All Accumulating Mountains of Things’

Source: The Atlantic

Online shopping can be a convenience. Yet the ease of buying online might also contribute to hoarding disorder and overspending. Review the research in this article to find out more.

‘Shrinkflation’ accelerates globally as manufacturers quietly shrink package sizes

Source: National Public Radio (NPR)

It’s the inflation you’re not supposed to see.
From toilet paper to yogurt and coffee to corn chips, manufacturers are quietly shrinking their package sizes without lowering their prices. It’s dubbed “shrinkflation,” and it’s something that is accelerating worldwide.

Why Popcorn Tastes Better When You Eat It with Chopsticks

Source: The Irish News

How do you make something old and familiar feel fresh and new? Science suggests the trick is to interact with it in new ways. Something as simple as eating popcorn–but doing so with chopsticks–can result in people rating the popcorn as tastier and more enjoyable than eating the same popcorn with their hands. Read the article and think of ways you may make things you already own feel new again.

How Currency Works

Source: How Stuff Works

Have you ever wondered just what, exactly, money is? We earn it. We spend it. But why do we all agree that one little piece of green paper is only worth a bag of chips and a different piece of green paper is worth a full, fancy dinner? This article takes a look at currency, what it is, how it got started, and what forms it might take in the future.

How Ads (and People) Persuade You

Source: SciShow Psych (YouTube)

If you can recognize when you’re being persuaded, it’s a lot easier to make sure your opinions are actually your own.

The balance of power is shifting in the tech industry

Source: CNN

Learn about drastic changes happening in tech companies and how it will impact hiring and day-to-day work.

5 Ways Consumers Can Be More Socially Conscious in Shopping

Source: Global News

The tragic consequences of the collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh makes us question the ethics of low-cost goods. Should we be more mindful of our buying choices? Experts in ethical shopping share five ways to be more socially conscious when shopping.

Will The 2020s Be Like The Roaring 20s?

Source: All Work

Is history repeating itself? Read about the uncanny similarities and drastic differences between the Roaring Twenties and now.

Ten things you didn’t know about Black Friday

Source: BBC

Learn 10 surprising facts about Black Friday, the biggest shopping day in the year.

Amazon Go: Inside the new cashierless store moving in to the suburbs

Source: USA Today

A store without cashiers or lines sounds like the stuff of dystopian nightmares or futuristic dreams, but in fact, it is a reality in four states around the country.