Black Friday 2025: The Rise of Digital Dollars and Algorithmic Pricing

A Record-Breaking Spend-a-thon

Ah, Black Friday. The day where wallets are lighter, inboxes are fuller, and your "add to cart" button gets more clicks than a cat video on YouTube. According to Adobe Analytics, this year's Black Friday brought in a jaw-dropping $11.8 billion in online sales. That's a lot of virtual shopping carts filled with everything from smartwatches to smart refrigerators that are probably smarter than me.

But amidst the flood of discounts and deals, some intriguing developments are reshaping how we think about shopping, pricing, and personalization. And no, I'm not just talking about that time you almost bought a third air fryer because the algorithm swore you needed it.

Personalized Pricing: Your Data, Your Price

New York state is cracking down on personalized pricing, requiring businesses to disclose when prices are set by algorithms using your personal data. Imagine walking into a store where the price tag reads, "Just for you! Because we know what you did last summer." It’s like the supermarket aisle meets "Minority Report."

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized Pricing Disclosure: Businesses must inform customers if an algorithm determined their price.
• Consumer Awareness: This law aims to increase transparency, so consumers understand how their data influences pricing.
• Algorithm Accountability: It's a step towards holding algorithms accountable for their decisions, which might just have ulterior motives—or maybe they're just misunderstood.

AI: The Not-So-Secret Bias

Meanwhile, in the world of AI, researchers have pointed out that large language models, while not explicitly biased, might still infer demographic data and exhibit implicit biases. Trying to get your AI to admit it's biased is like trying to get your cat to admit it deliberately knocked over your coffee. It won't happen, but we all know the truth.

The Metaphor of the Mind:

Consider AI as an orchestra. Each instrument (or data point) plays its part, creating a symphony of knowledge. But what if some instruments are out of tune? The music becomes skewed, leading to a performance that doesn’t quite resonate as intended. The challenge is ensuring that every note aligns, creating harmony rather than discord.

The Streaming Wars: Deals and More Deals

In the streaming galaxy, Netflix is plotting to take us to Ancient Rome with its "Assassin's Creed" series, while Walmart+ is offering a Peacock Premium subscription at a discount that’s almost too good to pass up. It's like the streaming services are in a perpetual game of Monopoly, buying up properties and hoping you land on their street.

Key Takeaways:

• Netflix's Ancient Rome: The upcoming "Assassin's Creed" series is set to take viewers on a historical thrill ride.
• Walmart+ and Peacock: A year of Peacock Premium for $49 with a Walmart+ subscription is a steal, especially in the era of rising subscription costs.
• Streaming Service Inflation: With nearly every major service raising prices, finding deals is crucial for the savvy consumer.

The Black Friday Symphony: A Tech Shopping Extravaganza

As we sift through the digital debris of Black Friday, it’s clear the day has evolved into a multi-day event that seamlessly transitions into Cyber Monday. From Apple’s MacBook Air M4 at $749 (that’s $250 off, folks!) to your favorite streaming subscriptions, the deals are plentiful.

ADHD-Related Joke:

Why did the ADHD shopper fail at Black Friday? He got distracted by Cyber Monday.

Conclusion: The Future of Shopping and AI

In a world where algorithms know us better than our old high school friends, and AI is both a tool and a tyrant, the landscape of consumerism is shifting under our feet. As we navigate this brave new world, the question remains: How do we ensure that technology serves us, rather than enslaving us to its whims?

Whether it's embracing transparency in pricing or ensuring AI treats all data points with fairness, the future is a collaborative symphony of human and machine. And if we play our cards right, it might just be music to our ears. 🎶

As you ponder your next online purchase, remember: every click is a vote for the future you want to see. Choose wisely.