All my friends are quitting Amazon

Salon - Mar 29th, 2025
Open on Salon

A growing number of American consumers, particularly among elder Gen Zers and millennials, are attempting to reduce their reliance on Amazon. This shift involves diverse demographics from various parts of the United States, and the motivations for quitting Amazon range from financial prudence to ethical concerns about consumption, workers' rights, and environmental impact. This movement is reflected in personal anecdotes shared by individuals across major cities like New York, Houston, and Austin, highlighting a broader trend of conscious consumerism.

The context for this trend includes longstanding criticisms of Amazon's business practices and the convenience it offers, which many find addictive. Despite the convenience Amazon provides, many consumers are choosing to support local businesses or avoid unnecessary purchases. The implications of this shift are significant, even if not yet reflected in Amazon’s financials, as it suggests a growing awareness and resistance to overconsumption in the face of economic and ethical considerations. This movement might eventually influence Amazon's market strategies and consumer habits at large.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides an engaging and timely exploration of the reasons some consumers are choosing to reduce their use of Amazon. It effectively uses personal anecdotes to highlight broader societal trends and ethical considerations. However, the article's reliance on informal sources and lack of comprehensive data weakens its overall accuracy and authority. While it captures the public interest and encourages readers to reflect on their consumption habits, the article could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and stronger sourcing to enhance its impact and credibility. Overall, the story succeeds in sparking discussion but requires more robust evidence to drive meaningful change.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several claims that are partially verifiable, but it lacks precise sourcing for some of its more specific statistics. For example, the claim that 73% of Amazon workers are thinking about leaving their jobs is significant and requires a credible source or survey for verification, which is not provided in the text. Similarly, the statistic that nearly half of Gen Zers and 40% of millennials are trying to cut back on using Amazon is presented without direct citation, making it difficult to assess its accuracy.

The article mentions a 98% renewal rate for Amazon Prime members who have used the service for at least two years, referencing a report by The New York Times. This provides some level of verifiability, although it would be beneficial to have a direct link or more context about the report. The story also discusses general trends and anecdotal evidence regarding consumer behavior, which are harder to verify but align with broader narratives about shifts in consumption patterns. Overall, the article could benefit from more precise sourcing and data to support its claims.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on individuals who are attempting to reduce their use of Amazon, presenting a narrative that may not fully encompass the diversity of opinions on the matter. While it includes a variety of personal anecdotes from different geographical locations and professional backgrounds, the perspectives are largely from those who are critical of Amazon.

There is a lack of representation from individuals who continue to use Amazon and may have positive views about its convenience and service. This creates an imbalance, as it does not present a comprehensive view of consumer sentiment. The article would benefit from including voices that can articulate the reasons why many people continue to rely on Amazon, despite the criticisms.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to follow, with a narrative structure that effectively conveys the author's experiences and observations. The language is accessible, and the tone is conversational, which makes the content engaging for readers.

However, the article could benefit from a more organized presentation of data and claims, which would help readers better understand the main points and the evidence supporting them. The inclusion of more structured sections or subheadings might enhance clarity and guide readers through the arguments more effectively.

4
Source quality

The article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal stories collected via Instagram, which may not be representative or reliable. While these personal accounts provide interesting insights, they do not offer the same level of credibility as data from more authoritative sources like surveys or studies.

The mention of The New York Times for the Amazon Prime renewal rate adds some credibility, but the overall reliance on informal sources weakens the article's authority. For a more robust analysis, the article would need to include data from recognized research institutions or industry reports.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of how the data was collected and the methodology behind the claims. For instance, the Instagram survey mentioned is informal, and there is no explanation of how responses were gathered or how representative they are of the broader population.

Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential biases or conflicts of interest that might affect the author's perspective. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the author's own stance on Amazon would improve the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/01/25/amzn-j25.html
  2. https://cinemovel.tv/sic/2020/peppino-impastato-4/
  3. https://www.inspirus.com/blog/employee-turnover-statistics/
  4. https://kyym.ru/sonunnar/main/10920-uluustaa-y-beterineriije-salaatygar-aan-bastakytyn-beterineer-aatyn-i-erdiler
  5. https://www.pymnts.com/amazon/2025/report-amazon-employees-say-restructuring-leaves-fewer-opportunities-to-advance/