Why are US consumers so angry? It's not just high prices
US consumers are increasingly furious because everyday transactions feel predatory: products are lower quality, warranties and support are deliberately obstructive, and formerly simple purchases are now riddled with junk fees, dark patterns, subscriptions and data-harvesting. Commenters link this “everything is a scam” feeling to consolidation, weak antitrust and gutted consumer protection, arguing that large corporations optimize for extraction over service while customer service is automated or made unreachable. Some see hope in stronger regulation and supporting small, owner-run businesses, but many note that when budgets are tight and even expensive goods are junk, frustration easily curdles into rage.
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.