Perspectives
Research studies, articles, ideas, and other news you can use about consumer psychology and The Buycologist.
Recent Perspectives
Disney’s Kimmel Misstep: A Masterclass in Misjudging Consumer Psychology
In the world of media and entertainment today, being “consumer-centric” means more than just giving people content they like. It means understanding their values, the emotional contract they feel with a brand, how they vote with their dollars, and how fast backlash can spread across platforms. The recent decision by ABC/Disney to suspend Jimmy Kimmel…
Ethical Persuasion Is the Future of Marketing—And, for Me, It’s Personal
Marketing doesn’t have to feel gross. In fact, it shouldn’t. That’s the rallying cry behind my work and the subject of a recent feature in Digital Journal that explores why ethical persuasion isn’t just a noble ideal—it’s a competitive advantage for today’s brands. For years, I’ve helped sales and marketing leaders tap into the power…
The Hidden Cost of Convenience: Why Mobile Giving Underperforms—And How to Fix It
It’s easy to assume that mobile is the future of charitable giving. After all, 85% of Americans now own a smartphone, and mobile traffic dominates digital engagement. But new research reveals a surprising truth: people are significantly less likely to donate when they’re on their smartphones. This isn’t a tech glitch. It’s a psychological one.…
Why Brick‑and‑Mortar Is Far from Dead — But It Must Evolve
When many think of retail’s future, they picture slick apps and endless scrolling. But a surprising twist? Gen Z is bringing foot traffic back into malls—proof that brick‑and‑mortar still matters…if it adapts. 1. Gen Z shops in stores—yet not because they reject digital According to CNBC, nearly 63% of Gen Z plan to do their…
Tariff Trouble Ahead: How Scarcity and Uncertainty Are Shaping Consumer Behavior (Again)
Remember the Great Toilet Paper Outage of 2020? You probably do—vividly. The bare shelves. The frantic store runs. The group texts asking if anyone had a spare roll. In the early days of the pandemic, spotting a pack of Charmin felt like discovering gold. It wasn’t just about hygiene—it was about psychology. That moment wasn’t…
Meet Olo, the Newly Discovered Color Only Five People Have Ever Seen.
Imagine a color so vivid, so saturated, it defies the limits of your imagination—and your screen. Meet olo, the latest addition to the human color vocabulary, courtesy of a groundbreaking study from the University of California, Berkeley. In a recent experiment, researchers used a device called “Oz” to stimulate only the M cones (the retinal…
Behavioral Science Is Not a Party Trick
Why Shallow Psychology Is Sabotaging Your Brand Let’s cut the polite pretense. Behavioral science is being butchered. In boardrooms and brainstorms across the globe, marketers are taking advice from influencers who’ve read half a book, applying psychological tactics they barely understand, and calling it strategy. Meanwhile, the customer—the actual human being—is reduced to a conversion…
Target’s DEI Stumble: The Buycologist’s Take
Currently, Target is facing a 40-day boycott, or “Target Fast,” led by Rev. Jamal Bryant, to protest the company’s perceived backtracking on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles. The publicity this particular boycott has received seems to have everyone talking about political consumerism and its impact. But as The Buycologist, I see something more profound:…
What Heroin Addiction Can Teach Us About Behavior Change
Several years ago, I stumbled upon a groundbreaking study while listening to NPR. The story was so engrossing that I couldn’t help but realize its profound implications for us in sales and marketing. The bottom line is that environmental cues are critical to changing behavior. You can read the article HERE for more detail, but…
Unlocking the Secrets of Consumer Psychology
Watch Dr. Chris on the Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Christopher Loo. In this episode, Chris shares valuable insights into buyer behavior and effective strategy development to give sales and marketing professionals an unfair advantage in an era of information overload. Key topics include: Consumer Psychology Myths Chris describes the pitfalls of basing sales and…
Screams, Thrills, and Popcorn Spills!
The Psychology of Horror Film Fandom Introduction: Welcome to the Dark Side of Your Psyche Ever wonder why you are drawn to watching chainsaw-wielding maniacs while your friend insists on hiding behind the couch? Buckle up, scaredy-cats and thrill-seekers alike, as we dive into the delightfully disturbing world of horror movie psychology. It’s time to…
The Remarkable Marketing Podcast
Watch Dr. Chris Discuss the Power of Empathy in Marketing In this brief podcast interview (~20 minutes), Chris makes a case for practicing empathy in sales and marketing, sharing insights, stories, and practical examples. Learn how to influence consumer behavior ethically, develop effective marketing strategies, and drive innovation through understanding customer emotion-based needs. Gain insights…
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