Category Archives: The Stuff of Consumer Culture

French passport and money

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

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.

Two teenage girls giving a bank card to a cashier in a store

How Retailers Are Using AI To Manipulate Consumer Shopping

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.

Beauty vlogger sharing makeup tutorial video on social media

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

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.

Child sitting in cardboard box wearing jetpack.

Why Popcorn Tastes Better When You Eat It with Chopsticks

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.

American Dollars

How Currency 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.