Consumer Behavior - MKT-3910-

Write one paragraph comment for each post:

1) Personally, I cannot say that I have ever experienced an extreme case of FOMO because of social media, but I can see why other people might have that type of experience while viewing posts. Watching people post about their travels, concerts they have attended, or other exciting events may lead people to desire to do the same activities as the people they are following. I like getting to see what my friends are doing, and I don't get upset if I am not part of the said experience. "FOMO usually is based upon a false perception that our friends' lives are so much more glam than our own" (420). I don't see my friends' lives as being extremely glamorous, but I can see how people could experience FOMO because of particular celebrities' glamorous lifestyles. While watching how other people live their lives can be fun, I think it is important for people to take time away from social media and practice living in the moment and focusing on themselves. FOMO can be a difficult feeling for a lot of people to combat, in fact, "these (false) feelings of isolation can lead to addiction and depression" (420). Social media is an incredibly addictive vice that a lot of people turn to when they are alone. When I have time to myself, I am typically on one of the various social sites. Being able to give up social media can be a hard thing, but it is something that I have been working on. Since limiting my time on these sites, I have noticed a big difference in my attitude. I don't think that it is the particular site's job to keep us from seeing posts that may trigger depression, but I do know that some sites are trying to combat this growing issue. Incorporating tools such as time limit warnings within these apps can help a lot when it comes to wanting to limit your screen time. Filtering out what you don't want to see on your feed can also be helpful, and a lot of apps allow you to specify your preferences while scrolling through your feed. Limiting screen time and filtering what is shown on your timeline can really help with these feelings of anxiety and depression.

2) The internet's impact on interpersonal relationships is a complex issue. In our book, it says it offers us the chance to connect with others, share our thoughts, and seek support from a wide range of people (pg. 401). I recently listened to a Podcast, where a debate among scholars came up on the internet and how it has opened up new avenues for communication and brought people from different corners of the world together; yet it has also done the exact opposite by numbing society to the news of the world and what we see on the internet i.e. taking the information we have at hand for granted. The downside is that excessive internet use can reduce the time we spend with our loved ones in face-to-face interactions. According to a study, for every hour spent online, we lose approximately 23.5 minutes of direct contact with friends, family, and colleagues. It also takes away precious moments from watching television and even affects our sleep by shortening it by around 8.5 minutes (pg. 401).Finding a balance between online and offline interactions is crucial. While the internet has its benefits, we must not neglect the importance of real-time, in-person communication and relationships. We need to be mindful of our internet usage and consciously make an effort to prioritize quality time with our loved ones. This means setting boundaries, practicing digital detox, and engaging in activities that foster meaningful connections outside of the digital realm (pg. 401)

3) The efforts of JC Penney and Walmart to upgrade their images and appeal to higher-class consumers have had varying degrees of success. JC Penney, for instance, underwent a significant rebranding campaign to shed its image as a discount store and attract more upscale shoppers. (375-377) They revamped their store layouts, introduced new designer collaborations, and focused on creating a more modern and stylish shopping experience. However, their strategy faced challenges, and the company experienced a decline in sales and customer backlash (375-377).On the other hand, Walmart has also made efforts to elevate its brand perception and cater to higher-income consumers. They introduced premium product lines, enhanced their online shopping experience, and partnered with upscale brands. These initiatives have shown some positive results, with increased sales and improved customer perception (375-377). Walmart still faces the challenge of overcoming its reputation as a low-price retailer and convincing higher-class consumers to see them as a viable option for their shopping needs, but it has seen more success than JC Penny, I would assume that it is due to the nature of the market heir in. Trying to change your image as a clothing brand may have more obstacles than a store like Walmart.

4) Thorstein Veblen's argument about men using women as "trophy wives" to display their wealth was based on the social and economic conditions of that time period. While his argument may still hold some relevance in contemporary times, it only applies to a few husbands (464). In our current society, gender roles as well as social norms have changed significantly, allowing women to have professional liberty, build wealth and reach social status. It is fair to say that the modern women are able to use man as a way to display status and wealth. Cougars are woman over forty years old who date younger men (465). The disparities between wealth among women and men are less and less notable today. Despite these changes, it would be inaccurate to say that the term trophy wife is not accurately used or applied today. I believe that although most women in America are well off without a rich husband, some people, regardless of gender, seek partners who enhance their social status or image. It is not uncommon to see a man who wants to show off how much they have by having a pretty wife who is there to save face and make him look important. However, t's important to note the complexities of relationships and acknowledge that not all partnerships fit into Veblen's framework. While some parts of Veblen's argument may still hold true in certain cases, the evolution of gender roles has significantly changed the motives behind relationships today.