'Tis the season for mass consumerism, and more people than ever are doing their shopping not only online, but on their mobile phones. Apps that facilitate these activities are coming out by the dozen, but as always, security is an issue. Most well-known retailers, like Amazon, have their own secure mobile checkout system for the shopper on the go. But I have to wonder. What if the wifi goes out, mid-purchase? The psychology of this phenomenon intrigues me. I suppose it's just another step closer to instant-gratification, and helps people who are shopping in the real world compare prices and save (as well as remember exactly what they want to buy... so many of my material wishes fall out of my head between the mall and my computer at home).
Online retailers are racing to enable mobile purchasing, and to streamline the process for the mobile user. What will become of "traditional" online purchasing as more and more of the population become comfortable (and able) to shop online, on the go? Online shopping comprises about 10% of the United States' total purchases, but this figure grows more prominent every year. Traditional retail is still the kingpin of American consumerism, but looking at today's tech-enabled culture, you'd never know it.
Personally, I would be hesitant to make a purchase from my phone. I just can't be sure I've selected exactly what I want, and cannot see that all the information is correct as clearly as I can on a larger screen. Reading that last sentence back, it seems like quite a flimsy complaint. I'm sure I will be able to overcome this insecurity in time, and I too will join the millions of Americans can see something they want in a store window, and are able to immediately buy it cheaper from somewhere online. Amazing.
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