By Panuruji Kenta, SEVENSEAS Media Publisher
I recently watched the Netflix documentary, “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy,” and I think it could be a big slap to us all, both retailing companies and consumers. The film discusses the manipulative tactics employed by big corporations to lure consumers into excessive spending, often at the expense of our financial well-being and environmental sustainability. Moreover, This documentary resonated with me because this level of consumerism affects us all and every aspect of the environment, from extraction or resources, use of clean water and energy, pollution, waste, and end-of-life disposal of products. We see the effects of wasteful consumerism monopolising landfills and washing up on our shores.
One of the things that the documentary does well is to highlight the persuasive techniques that marketers use to psychologically create desire and drive purchases. Amazon’s one-click shopping makes it incredibly easy to buy things without thinking about it. And Apple’s constant release of new products makes us feel like we need to upgrade our devices all the time. The targeted advertising is also explored in detail, revealing how corporations exploit our innate vulnerabilities to boost profits.
Besides, they cleverly use the narrative framework of an AI machine named Sasha to guide viewers through the complexities of profit maximization strategies. This approach effectively highlights the calculated and often dehumanizing nature of these tactics. While some viewers might find Sasha’s presence gimmicky, I found it to be a thought-provoking way to expose the cold, hard logic behind consumer manipulation.
From a credibility point of view, the filmmakers utilise compelling visuals and expert interviews to support their arguments. Former employees of industry giants like Amazon, Apple, and Adidas provide insider standpoints, lending credibility to the documentary’s claims.
However, the film occasionally falters by oversimplifying complex issues and offering limited solutions. While it did a pretty good job at exposing the problem, it could benefit from a more in-depth breakdown of potential solutions and systemic changes needed to curb excessive consumerism.
Despite these minor shortcomings, “Buy Now!” is a documentary that raises questions about our consumption habits and their impact on the planet worldwide, which many of you should watch, especially when you have no idea how marketing in this fast fashion works. It challenges us to question our purchasing decisions and consider the true cost of convenience and fleeting satisfaction.
Overall, I thought Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy was a very well-made and informative documentary. It raised a lot of important questions about our consumerist society. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how big companies are manipulating us to buy more stuff.
Personal Reflections
Since working in the marine and environment conservation industry, I have always been aware of my purchases and consumption. For example, I always avoid buying new clothes since most of what I’m wearing is handed over by several friends and I usually keep things in the shopping basket for months before I actually buy them or just simply forget about it. Personally, I own only a pair of mountain climbing boots and one pair of slippers. They serve my needs in many ways and that is enough and last for at least 5-7 years.
I have to admit that I was so angry by what I saw in the documentary, especially the outcome of fast fashion. I knew that companies used marketing tactics to get us to buy things, but I didn’t realise the extent to which they were doing it.
The documentary could help those who are shopaholics to be more mindful of their consumption habits. I believe that we can change our shopping practices and be more aware of consumerism. We can also put pressure on companies to be more sustainable.
I hope this review has been helpful. I encourage everyone to watch Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy and think about how you can make a difference.