Why are US consumers so angry? It's not just high prices
4 hours ago
- #corporate accountability
- #regulatory rollback
- #consumer rage
- Nearly 80% of Americans experienced service or product problems in 2025, with two-thirds feeling 'rage' about it.
- Consumer frustration stems from overcharges, billing mistakes, poor service, shoddy products, and a backdrop of high inflation and corporate consolidation.
- The 'annoyance economy' costs U.S. households $165 billion annually in time, fees, and irritation.
- Federal consumer protection has weakened under recent administrations, with agencies like the CFPB rolling back enforcement and settlements.
- State actions and some federal efforts, like by the FTC, offer limited relief, but overall regulatory oversight is declining.
- Consumer journalism has significantly declined since the 1970s, reducing corporate accountability, though some nonprofit and citizen journalism efforts persist.
- Historical consumer protections from the Nader era have eroded, with corporate power now largely unchecked in many political arenas.
- Legal avenues may increase as consumers turn to litigation due to federal inaction.
- Public frustration manifests in extreme cases, reflecting widespread feelings of powerlessness and distrust toward corporations.
- The Guardian plans to explore causes, impacts, and solutions to consumer rage, inviting readers to share their experiences.