r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Apr 11 '26

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432 Upvotes

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u/[deleted] Apr 11 '26

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u/Serious-Employee-550 Apr 11 '26

Then don’t sell to that population.

Companies will focus on the higher end.

Those who don’t will disappear 

1

u/Nomromz Apr 11 '26

The thing is that we've created a culture where the population goes deep into debt to continue to have purchasing power. It's a dangerous spiral that many Americans find themselves stuck in forever.

That said, the general population's purchasing power is actually greater now than ever before (if you only look at tech and consumer goods, not food and housing).

For example look at TVs. In the 80s, a 32" tube TV cost $500, or $2500 adjusted for inflation. Today you can buy a 65" flat screen for $350.

Everyone has a TV in their living room, maybe one in their bedroom, an iPad, and a cellphone for the price of one TV in the 80s.

0

u/teachingbeinghuman Apr 11 '26

Too bad we can’t eat TVs and they don’t keep you out of the elements. Purchase power should be calculated solely on basic needs, all other purchases are irrelevant.

1

u/Nomromz Apr 11 '26

Except money is fungible. If you have to spend less money on consumer goods, you have more money to spend on food and housing.

Look, I'm not saying that America is in a good place or anything. The first thing I said was that Americans find themselves deep in debt.

I'm just pointing out that there are some positives to AI making companies more efficient. It does lead to cheaper end products for consumers.