Want to guarantee your choice?
Temu, Shein and Amazon Shopping are three of the most popular shopping apps right now—and they all have one thing in common: they influence your purchasing decisions even when you think you're in control. From the way they display products to the notifications they send you at the exact moment you're distracted, everything is designed to trigger behaviors that increase your chances of spending, even when you don't need to.
The algorithm knows more about you than you think
These apps learn from your behavior. Every click, time spent on a page, item added to your cart, and even what you search for but don't buy is entered into the algorithm's radar. From there, the app begins displaying products that fit your profile, your routine, and even your emotional state.
So don't be surprised if, after looking at a phone case for a few seconds, it appears as a suggestion everywhere within the app — and even on other social networks. Temu, Shein and Amazon Shopping use artificial intelligence to anticipate desires, not just to respond to searches.
Notifications and Rewards: A Powerful Formula
You know that notification that says "You forgot something in your cart!" or "Only 2 units left"? These aren't accidental. They're mental triggers that activate urgency and scarcity. When the app tells you the item might run out, you feel the need to act fast.
Another factor is the feeling of reward: daily bonuses, discount coupons, lucky spins, or points accumulated by logging in. These resources activate the brain's dopamine circuit—the same one involved in gaming and social media. This generates a small sense of pleasure, even if you don't purchase anything at that moment.
And that’s why you end up coming back to the app every day “just to see.”
The layout also influences you
Have you ever noticed that the most expensive or popular products appear first? And that the "buy now" or "add to cart" buttons have bright colors, while the checkout button is always small or difficult to see?
None of this is random. The app's design is designed to capture your attention, prioritize products with higher profit margins, and make it harder to abandon your purchase. Temu, Shein and Amazon Shopping, the focus is on facilitating impulse buying.
Another example is banners with countdown timers, flash sales, or limited-time promotions. Even if you don't intend to buy, the feeling that you're going to "miss out" puts you on high alert.
The false sense of economy
One of the most common tricks is to make you feel like you're saving, when in reality you're being tricked into spending. How?
- Free shipping over a certain amount
- Progressive discount according to the quantity of items
- “Buy 3, pay for 2”
- Coupons that only work on purchases above a certain amount
In practice, you end up adding more products to your cart to reach the minimum amount. And the curious thing is: often these extra products weren't in your plans. But the app convinces you that you're saving, and this reduces the guilt of purchasing.
Language is emotional
Instead of describing products objectively, apps use phrases like:
- "You deserve"
- “Sales success”
- “The item everyone wants”
- “Looks that went viral on TikTok”
- “Rated 5 stars by over 10,000 people”
All of this triggers a sense of belonging, desire, and social approval. After all, if everyone is buying it, it must be good, right? This kind of language takes you away from rational thought and puts you on automatic mode.
Over-customization
Temu, Shein and Amazon Shopping They know what you've bought, what you've returned, what price range you typically spend in, and even what time of the month you shop most. Based on this, they tailor the browsing experience to feel tailored to your needs.
You might think, “Look, this app understands me!” when in fact you’re being guided by a series of data-driven algorithmic decisions.
This creates a dangerous effect: a false sense of control. You think you're choosing freely, but the app has already narrowed down your options and led you to exactly what it wants you to see.
Why is it so hard to stop using?
These apps combine elements of gaming, social networking, and shopping. They send constant notifications, frequently update promotions, and create shopping challenges. They also display reviews with photos, videos, comments, and even influencer stories.
This all creates an addictive digital environment that takes up your time and attention—even when you're not buying.
You go in to see a sale and leave 40 minutes later with a full wish list. That's the true power of Temu, Shein and Amazon Shopping: to arrest you without you noticing.
How to protect yourself?
Of course, there's nothing wrong with using these apps—the problem is when you lose track of how much you're being influenced. A few simple steps can help you regain control:
- Turn off non-essential notifications
- Make a list before opening the app and try to follow it.
- Avoid saving your credit card on your account
- Set a monthly limit for online purchases
- Stop and think before accepting coupons or “exclusive offers”
These attitudes help break the automatic consumption cycle that apps create.
See also: What happens when you clear your phone's cache with Files by Google?
May 15, 2025
Graduated in Literature – Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful Writer, seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on a variety of topics, as a writer. At Vaga de Emprego RJ, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.