Why are US consumers so angry? It's not just high prices

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Perceived Decline in Quality and Service

  • Many describe widespread “junk” products: things that break quickly, can’t be repaired, or are degraded via software updates and anti-features.
  • Service quality is seen as worse: opaque processes, endless phone trees, offshore or AI support that can’t actually solve problems.
  • Older products are contrasted with today’s—appliances, knives, furniture—seen as longer-lasting, simpler, and more repairable.

Everything Feels Like a Scam / “Enshittification”

  • Strong sentiment that basic transactions are now booby-trapped with dark patterns, hidden fees, data harvesting, and unwanted subscriptions.
  • Even TVs, apps, and grocery loyalty programs are perceived as surveillance and behavioral-manipulation tools.
  • People feel they must constantly research to avoid being tricked, which is exhausting.

Customer Rage: Causes and Debates

  • Anger is linked to tighter household budgets: when a bad product or fee hits, it competes with essentials like rent or food.
  • Some argue rage is disproportionate, performative, and unhealthy; others say it’s the only way to penetrate intentionally obstructive support systems.
  • There’s disagreement over whether problems are mainly “simple mistakes” in big bureaucracies or calculated profit-extraction strategies.

Market Power, Regulation, and Politics

  • Oligopoly/monopoly and weak antitrust enforcement are blamed for lack of real alternatives (e.g., Amazon, telecoms).
  • Discussion of consumer agencies (like the CFPB) being gutted, versus class actions and structural breakup as remedies.
  • Some argue voters repeatedly choose politicians and parties that prioritize business over consumers, implying the system reflects public choices.

Tipping, Fees, and Everyday Frictions

  • Rising “standard” tip expectations, junk fees, receipt checks, self-checkout, and security theater are cited as daily irritants that feel demeaning.
  • These policies are seen as pushing labor onto customers while preserving or increasing corporate margins.

International Comparisons and Coping Strategies

  • Other countries report similar trends, though some highlight stronger consumer laws (e.g., Australia, EU) and better enforcement.
  • Suggested responses: buy less but higher quality, favor small/owner-run businesses, use physical stores, file formal complaints, and personally model ethical behavior.