The Briefing Aus evacuations axed after US strikes + The big brands gaslighting you
Jun 22, 2025
Chandni Gupta, Deputy CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, dives into the tricky world of marketing during sales seasons. She reveals how retailers use tactics like FOMO and false scarcity to manipulate consumers into overspending. Gupta also discusses the need for stronger consumer protections. Alongside, the podcast touches on serious world events, including the cancellation of Australian evacuations amid rising tensions in the Middle East, illustrating the delicate balance between consumerism and global affairs.
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FOMO Drives Impulsive Spending
- Retail websites use psychological tricks like showing how many people are viewing a product to trigger FOMO.
- These tactics push shoppers to spend more impulsively than they initially plan.
Dark Patterns vs Traditional Ads
- Advertising is straightforward, but dark patterns are embedded in the shopping experience to manipulate choices.
- These subtle tactics increase spending by creating pressure without appearing as overt ads.
Countdown Timers Can Deceive
- Sale countdown timers can be misleading; some reset after ending with unchanged prices.
- Consumers may think they get bargains, but often the deals aren't genuine.