The Brian Lehrer Show Your Thoughts on Self Check-Out
Dec 10, 2025
Valerie Trapp, assistant editor at The Atlantic, dives into the intriguing trend of self-checkouts, where longer lines often form compared to traditional lanes. She discusses why people prefer avoiding cashier interactions, exploring the rise of social anxiety and introversion. Trapp also examines the implications for jobs and the potential for theft. Listeners share their varied experiences, highlighting both the convenience of self-checkouts and the value of human connection, raising questions about our evolving shopping habits.
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Choosing Self-Checkout Over Shorter Lines
- Many shoppers now opt for self-checkout even when that line is longer than staffed checkout.
- This behavior suggests people sometimes prioritize avoiding human interaction over minimizing wait time.
Reporter’s Grocery Store Moment
- Valerie Trapp describes seeing a long self-checkout queue while the staffed lane was empty at her Brooklyn grocery store.
- That moment sparked her curiosity and reporting on the broader trend.
Avoiding Friction Of Human Interaction
- People cited avoiding small talk and unpredictable interactions as reasons to use self-checkout.
- Concerns included bagging preferences and fear of mistakes or damage by cashiers.