Black Friday 2023 is unfolding as a chaotic mix of deep discounts, accidental pricing errors, and growing unease over tech companies’ aggressive pursuit of AI. From flash sales on fake Christmas trees to $15 iPads briefly offered by MediaWorld (and then recalled), the season is already marked by both extreme bargains and retail mishaps.
Retail Chaos and Bargain Hunting
Several retailers are vying for consumer attention with substantial discounts. Balsam Hill is advertising 40% off artificial Christmas trees, while Best Buy and Amazon are pushing heavily discounted tech, including TVs from Hisense, TCL, Samsung, and Sony. WIRED reports that the best tech deals this year include laptops, gaming rigs, and MacBooks with significant markdowns. However, amidst the savings, shoppers should beware of misleading promotions: experts suggest the MacBook Air remains a better value than many hyped Black Friday laptop deals.
Pricing Errors and Customer Disputes
The most notable blunder came from MediaWorld, a European electronics chain, which accidentally listed iPads for just 15 Euros to loyalty card holders. The company has since contacted affected customers, demanding the return of the devices, highlighting the risks of both accidental and intentional pricing manipulation.
AI Concerns at Amazon
Beyond retail chaos, Black Friday season is overshadowed by labor concerns within tech giants. Amazon Employees for Climate Justice have circulated a petition signed by over 1,000 workers, expressing fears about the company’s “all-costs-justified” approach to AI development. The group warns that Amazon’s rapid AI rollout could prioritize profits over worker safety and ethical considerations.
Sex Workers Launch Alternative Platform
In response to changes at OnlyFans, including mandatory background checks and expansion beyond adult content, sex workers are building an alternative platform called Hidden. This TikTok-like service aims to give creators more control over their earnings and content policies.
Black Friday 2023 is proving to be more than just a shopping event. It’s a microcosm of wider tensions between retail competitiveness, corporate ethics, and the evolving landscape of digital labor. The season’s mix of extreme deals, accidental errors, and labor disputes underscores the need for cautious spending and critical examination of tech industry practices.
