The hidden faces of overconsumption: when the compulsive purchase costs society: “The scandal is the economic model itself”

These behaviors are not insulated: the Internet has amplified compulsive purchases. Meanwhile, “”The first academic writings on the subject date from 1800, but the Internet accelerated everythingexplains Pierre-Alexandre Billiet, CEO of Gondola. Therefore, For what ? Therefore, Because there has been total permissiveness: free feedback, fast deliveries, and even an economic incentive. For example, Governments and companies have voluntarily prompted overconsumption to stimulate growth. Similarly, “

Among some, temptation goes further. Consequently, Benoît, 35, knows “All flaws“. Moreover, “I work in computer science. In addition, When a site offers “reimbursement if not received”, I know what to say so that they believe me. Sometimes I keep the product and I am reimbursed. I know it’s bad, but the big platforms win so much … “ Same logic at Emma, 32, who says she has “Started by hidden faces overconsumption: when compulsive chance saying that I had not received my package. It worked, so I started again. It has become a habit, a kind of game“.

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“Unreasonable purchases, harmful to the consumer, the planet and the economy” – Hidden faces overconsumption: when compulsive

For Pierre-Alexandre Billiet, these frauds exist, but “They are anecdotal compared to the real problem. The scandal is the economic model itself. For years, it was cheaper to reimburse a customer than to manage a return. It is estimated that 30 to 40 % of consumption correspond to overconsumption. Unreasonable purchases, harmful to the consumer, the planet and the economy. For more than a decade, we lived in a diagram where everything was allowed.“

But the evil is done. “”Who paid for these low prices? Small businesses, which have disappeared. Consumers got hidden faces overconsumption: when compulsive there, until it starts to touch them: loss of jobs, dependence on a few giants.“And the observation is severe.”Overconsumption costs us much more than you think. A product sold for 1 € on TEMU actually costs the company 3 or 4 €: Destruction of jobs, pollution, CO₂. And it is the future generations that will pay the bill. “

In the background, it is economic resilience that crumbles. “”As in nature, a solid ecosystem is based on diversity. It was destroyed by promoting some jugns. Today, some actors control everything.“

Behind the packages that pile up at Sophie or Vincent, there is a social and ecological bomb hides. “”We have built a model on unbridled consumption, and now we pay the price“Concludes Billiet.

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