The Daily Money: What's the psychology behind crazes like the Stanley insulated cup?

We've always had fads and crazes. What's different about the latest craze like the Stanley insulated cup? We look at the psychology behind fads.

Advertisement Read in browser The Daily Money ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW Fri Jan 19 2024 Betty Lin-Fisher | Consumer reporter @blinfisher Happy Friday from snowy Ohio! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with today's The Daily Money. Each Friday, I will bring you a consumer-focused edition of this newsletter. After reading about and seeing images of the door that fell off an Alaska Airlines flight, or the plane in flames on the Tokyo runway, consumers are thinking about aircraft safety. It's unrealistic to ask if you as a traveler can "kick the tires" and inspect an aircraft before you get on. But there are some telltale signs that your next flight could be dangerous, particularly if you're traveling internationally or in a country with lax aviation regulations, writes USA TODAY columnist Christopher Elliott. Flying in the U.S. is really safe, he said. Elliott provides good advice in his column for all travelers. What's the psychology behind crazes like the Stanley cup? Bella Boye poses with her Stanley cup collection. Bella Boye Depending on your age, do you remember the craziness of "having to have" Cabbage Patch Kids, Beanie Babies or Tickle Me Elmo? Or did you ride your new Big Wheel around the cul-de-sac or wear the latest fashion item to school to show off? There have always been fads or the "in" thing that kids – and adults – have coveted. So what's different now? The latest "must-have" has been a pink or red Stanley insulated cup (not to be confused with the NHL's championship trophy!) These "limited edition" cups caused mostly female consumers to sit outside Target and Starbucks for hours recently like it was Black Friday in order to rush the aisles for the TUMBLER (DELETE up). What's the psychology behind creating this buzz that you must have this item? What's different now? Social media – particularly TikTok – and the invention of influencers are the biggest change. Now you can broadcast that you've got the "must have" thing to millions instead of just your neighbors. Check ou t this story I wrote with my colleague Bailey Schulz to understand the "why" behind our consumer behavior. 📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰 From the Wall Street Journal: Consumers spent money during the holiday season, signaling a good year for economic growth Rent or buy a house? The gap is narrowing for affordability in the US Do I have to file my taxes? Here's how to know and why you may want to even if you don't. From The Detroit Free Press: Why should you keep your key fob in a metal (coffee) can? To prevent car theft Is your inbox a nightmare? How to archive email easily to start the new year right with a clean inbox 🍔 Today's Menu 🍔 Soy sauce is a go-to for a lot of consumers while cooking or to add a little flavor to your dinner plate. But is it healthy for you? Take a look at this story by my USA TODAY colleague, Daryl Austin. About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer news from USA TODAY. We break down financial news and provide the TLDR version: how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you. Is my flight safe? Here's how to tell before you board There are some signs that your flight could be dangerous, particularly if you're traveling internationally or in a country with lax regulations. READ MORE Advertisement 'I don't feel silly having a million': Why people love Stanley cups FOMO and social media have added fuel to an age-old marketing practice: creating buzz and fads, experts say. READ MORE Rent vs. buy? Where you'll get the best deal in the US Renting is still more affordable than buying in most of the US, report says, even though rent hikes outpaced home price increases last year. READ MORE Who must file a tax return and why you may want to anyway Not everyone is required by law to file a tax return. Here's how to know if you have to and why even if you don't have to, you might want to. READ MORE How a metal can will keep your car from being stolen Crimes committed by tech-savvy car thieves using special tools purchased on the internet are contributing to a spike vehicle thefts. READ MORE Archive your email and clear out your inbox Email archiving keeps a record of everything you've sent and received, but they won't be sitting in your inbox. READ MORE Young girls are flooding Sephora. So we talked to their moms. Have you noticed anything strange at Sephora lately? 10-year-olds are taking over. Experts say the viral phenomenon says a lot about preteens today. READ MORE Climate change terrifies the ski industry According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), climate change is "the number one threat to the snowsports industry." READ MORE More student debt relief comes for longtime borrowers, public servants President Joe Biden approved student loan relief for another 74,000 borrowers on Friday, waiving $4.9 billion in debt. READ MORE Why electric cars struggle when it's cold – and tips on dealing with it EVs suffer reduced battery performance and longer charging times in cold weather. How to get the best performance from an EV in the cold. READ MORE Advertisement Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords Follow Us Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe  •  Manage Newsletters  •  Terms of Service  •  Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights  •   Privacy Notice  •  Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy  •  Feedback