Shoppers Struggle: When Simple Tasks Become Herculean

Many people seem to have an aversion to using their brains. They’d rather ask for help than think, which can frustrate retail workers and online group members alike. This phenomenon highlights a modern challenge: the increasing tendency to avoid mental effort, even when it’s easy.

Retail Rage: The Perils of Not Looking

Many shop assistants have faced the same issue. For instance, a person might ask for socks while standing in front of a wall displaying them, under a huge “Socks” sign. In another scenario, someone might demand the location of size 5-7 socks while staring at a sign that explicitly states, “Sizes 5-7.”

These customers often seem oblivious, never giving a moment’s thought to the situation. They immediately seek assistance, even when the answer is in plain sight. One former jewelry salesperson recalled a common question:

“Should I buy my future spouse’s engagement ring in gold or silver?”

— A former jewelry salesperson

The salesperson was expected to know the intimate details of a relationship. Instead, she had to analyze blurry social media photos to assess preferences. It is estimated that over 60% of Americans report feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information they encounter daily (Statista 2024).

Digital Dilemmas and the Rise of AI

The same pattern appears in online groups. Members frequently pose questions easily answered with a quick Google search. Asking questions like “Do I need a visa?” wastes others’ time, as answers are often available on official websites. This behavior highlights a reliance on others instead of independent thought.

The author speculates that artificial intelligence might offer a solution. Perhaps AI will tire of answering simple questions for those unwilling to think for themselves, leading to its own self-destruction. This could be one way to prevent AI from taking jobs and becoming “robot overlords.”