Social Media Influence
This three‑word anxiety, common on social media, can push teens to spend to keep up with others.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Using a well‑liked spokesperson to build trust is this strategy.
Testimonial (Liking/Authority)
This 5‑step process culminates in evaluating your choice after the purchase.
The consumer decision‑making process
He outlined four basic consumer rights to Congress in 1962.
John F. Kennedy (JFK)
A guarantee that a product meets certain standards is this.
Warranty
Following the crowd instead of your own choice, as in the Brain Games clip, is called this.
Herd mentality / Social proof
When an ad suggests “everyone’s doing it,” it uses this appeal.
Bandwagon / Social proof / FOMO
Giving up the next best alternative when you choose is called this.
Opportunity cost
This agency protects the public from unfair competition and deceptive practices.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
The unwritten, “default” warranty is this type.
Implied warranty
In class, students considered whether these online personalities are easily influenced themselves.
Social media influencers
Showing contrasting images or ideas side‑by‑side to make a point is this.
Juxtaposition
Weighing pros and cons in a purchase uses this hyphenated analysis.
Cost‑benefit analysis
Protections include Safety, Be Informed, Choose, and Be Heard—collectively known as these.
Consumer rights
Setting a high price to signal status or quality is this tactic.
Prestige pricing
Marketers link products to fond memories using this emotional trigger.
Nostalgia appeal
Giving something first to encourage a return favor taps this principle.
Reciprocity
Items priced at or below cost to draw shoppers are called this.
Loss leaders
Money from new investors pays earlier investors in this scheme.
Ponzi scheme
.99 endings exemplify this left‑digit tactic.
Charm pricing / Left‑digit pricing
The “best defense” is awareness and calling out manipulative tactics—especially these UI tricks.
Dark patterns
Illegally advertising one item and switching to another is called this.
Bait and switch
Systematically comparing features and prices across options is called this.
Comparison shopping
This agency enforces federal consumer financial law and aims to keep markets fair.
CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)
Bronze/Gold/Platinum versions at increasing prices show this approach.
Price lining / Tiered pricing