Except this is literally FOR consumables. Like, detergent and toilet paper and things that get used up quickly.
If the physical button was free, I wouldn't mind having a few of these to just press when I need some more of something like that. Remembering to write it on a list and bring it with you to the store and pick it up is a bit of a hassle.
I already don't question my habits for paper towels or laundry detergent. I buy the same ones every time because it works and it's not worth optimizing the $20 of paper towels or detergent I'll buy every 6 months.
Maybe you're right about those particular things (but maybe in a dystopian future you would because the interference with competition drove the price up into local maxima).
Seriously though, do I question my habits when buying food, drinks and coffee. This video is saying "you can lock yourself into a cycle of dependence on this one brand of coffee and this one brand of water and this one brand of cheap unhealthy ready-made packaged food".
Either you find that unpalatable in principle or you don't. It's probably a cultural thing.
Why all of this talk about a dystopian future? I can choose to refill on a particular brand of paper towels without giving up my right to choose what I eat. This entire thread is full of absurdity.
The conversation started about consumables like laundry detergent and paper towels, not food and drinks. So I'm not sure why food and drinks came up, and then why the further jump to "unhealthy" food and drinks.
Personally, I buy the same stuff over and over because it doesn't matter. I don't want to spend time worrying about things that don't matter.
No point dragging this out. But this conversation started with a video about how you can order things including food (e.g. microwave ready made food) and drinks (coffee and bottled water).
What if I know what kind I like and don't want to change that? I don't see why you think it's such a bad idea for people who know what they like and want to make their lives easier with a little button. You don't have to get one, but don't try to make people who want one out to be mindless consumer drones.
I'm not commenting on the people who want to use the service, I'm commenting on the video which is unashamedly monoculture big-business. If they'd included a custom button for organic honey from the local local yoghurt-weaver I wouldn't feel quite so negative...
I would feel guilty using a button like this. I mean, do I seriously lack the time and/or willpower to go to the store and pick up my own groceries? Thanks Amazon, but I got this.
> I mean, do I seriously lack the time and/or willpower to go to the store and pick up my own groceries?
I think it's more for refilling things you commonly use without needing to worry about them. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten things like detergent when we were low or out but pressing a button when I notice it's out right after I use it? That's really low friction. It's not a half bad idea in my opinion.
Between Google Shopping Express, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh, yes, I'd say there are tons of people who lack the time and/or willpower to do their own groceries.
If the physical button was free, I wouldn't mind having a few of these to just press when I need some more of something like that. Remembering to write it on a list and bring it with you to the store and pick it up is a bit of a hassle.
This could be pretty handy to have.