The paper explores the erosion of consumer autonomy caused by factors such as obligatory consumption, algorithmic persuasion, and unstable work schedules within digital ecosystems. These constraints lead to impulsive purchases and unpredictable income, which undermine consumers’ ability to plan financially and maintain long-term well-being. By constructing formal models based on discounted consumption with constraints, the authors demonstrate that even rational, utility-maximizing consumers can face early financial ruin when their agency is limited by structural, behavioral, or temporal factors. The study argues that consumer agency should not be assumed but actively cultivated as a value, especially in the context of pervasive digital algorithms influencing consumption choices. The connection between formal modeling and normative claims allows for measurable assessment of risks like financial instability linked to diminished agency. The paper suggests systemic interventions and consumer education as potential solutions to enhance consumer agency. These measures are shown formally to strengthen agency by supporting informed decision-making and value deliberation. Ultimately, the research calls for rethinking consumer autonomy in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of protecting and promoting agency to safeguard financial health and authentic consumption.
👉 Pročitaj original: arXiv AI Papers
