I’ve heard of predictive policing.

That’s where an AI and/or algorithm gathers data from an area, splits it into sections, and identifies what type of crime tends to be committed in what areas on what days.

The type of law enforcement, whether it be motorcycle, walking, or cars, is dispatched accordingly to keep crime in check.

This comes with a lot of controversy, of course. There’s stereotyping, the lack of mobility if something unpredictable happens, and demographics can shift, which could render the nature of the crime dated. That would lead to ineffective policing.

But that is the wave, and although not talked about, it will become more prominent as the years advance.

On the other side, subjective pricing is becoming the new and stealthy normal.

As society continues to outsource – as jobs, thinking, dating, and friendships have been outsourced to AI, social media, and algorithms, so has shopping.

The rise of COVID made it seem ‘ safe and effective ‘ to use programs like Instacart. The less contact, the better, right?

The less friction the process has and the more acceptable it becomes, the more it is adopted and becomes the new normal. It’s quicker, faster, and – most of all – convenient. Not only can Marco s Pizza be delivered, but a frozen Red Baron can also be, along with a gallon of milk and a box of tampons.

No fuss.
No muss.
No judgment.

One of the most popular programs that facilitates this is Instacart. It’s the DoorDash of grocery stores.

Instacart insists that it doesn’t set the prices. The vendors do. They make money through other means. They charge the users and the stores.

Since we’re in the world of Big Data, Instacart gathers information from the shoppers. Where they live. What they look at. What brands. If they use coupons and prefer deals.

All of that information is given or, more than likely, sold to the companies. Then, the prices of the items are set based on the preferences of the shoppers.

Instead of supply and demand to set prices, the cost of an item is based on what the company ” thinks ” the user will pay for it, based on the data gathered.

So, if a woman is pregnant — and Instacart would know based on what she views — doesn’t even have to buy — just views — diapers, clothes, cribs… whatever…. the price of diapers would be higher for her than for me, someone who can’t become pregnant.

Subjectively, diapers would be more of a need than a want for her. The need means she’s more likely to need them. More likely to buy. More likely to pay more.

Me, who may have bought some for someone else, won’t frequently buy them and it could be cheaper.

Although — we could live in the same city. On the same street. In the same house.

Instacart’s AI technology is hiking prices as much as 20% for the same item, new study reveals

Instacart Reportedly Using Secret AI-Powered Dynamic Pricing to Jack Up Prices | Truthout

New Report Exposes Instacart’s Hidden Price Games – Consumer Reports

— The sneaky part is that we live in a vacuum. Society is lonely. We’re falling apart. Social lives are outsourced to the internet, and when we actually do get together, it’s not to compare grocery receipts. Especially not virtual ones.

There is zero legislation. Zero consumer protection. Will there be? Maybe many, many years down the road, as grocery has a lot of lobbyists. Government is slow.

Other companies besides Instacart probably do this or will start soon. Why not?

Then, it will spread (if it hasn’t already) to other markets. ChatGPT (I think it’s Chat or OpenAI or both) has been allowed to sell items and apps to users.

We won’t like it, but we won’t be aware. It’ll be seamless and be blamed on inflation or some such.

So… yeah.

The future is expensive.

It’s all part of owning nothing and being happy.
It’s just a step away from universal income.
Less independence. More illusion.