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Effects of fast food popularity
Causes and effects of the popularity of fast food
Effects of fast food popularity
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Fast food restaurants have been enjoyed by billions worldwide for more than half of a century. It was determined in 2013 that 8 out of 10 Americans were consuming fast food at least once a month (Tepper). Now that it is 2017, the Baby Boomer generation that grew up on this type of food restaurant is getting much older. Many of these individuals have retired, and in a few decades, this formerly dominant market segment will begin to shrink drastically. The new prominent generation of individuals, who will become the dominant buyers of all goods and services are the Millennials, who generally range between the ages of 20 and to 36 (Nadeau). In fact, the Millennial group has already surpassed the Baby Boomers in terms of its sheer population …show more content…
According to The Independent, while 68 percent of sampled young adults were talking about issues such as human rights and animal cruelty, only “23 percent have taken to the streets to protest” (Osborne). The problem with this position is that, while protesting is one thing, making a decision about where to eat is entirely another. A protest is a form of activism, and many people within the Millennial generation may not have the passion or the confidence to do so. In fact, according to a recent survey, “70% of those between the ages of 18 and 29 experience social anxiety, [which is] more than any other age group” (Chew). Meanwhile, a choice about where to eat depends primarily on the consumer’s preferences, not on their sheer confidence in being vocal about their opinions. Instead of trying to influence the choices of others, Millennials still likely apply their beliefs to their own choices, and accordingly, a notable chunk of the Millennial bracket has already been steering away from fast food restaurants. According to Forbes, in 2014, traditional fast food restaurants experienced a 20% decrease in visits from those in the Millennial market segment, while 89% of the Millennial group stated they wanted “fast, casual food […] [with] ingredients that were more ‘trustworthy’” (Passikoff). The use of the word ‘trustworthy’ likely points not only to the healthiness of the ingredients themselves, but also suggests concerns about where they are sourced and how they are processed. As well, in the article from The Independent, it is noted that among the Millennial group, animal cruelty was the most popular topic of discussion, and they were still more likely to arrange protests about the issue than the older group that was surveyed, which essentially belonged to Baby Boomers, as they
Fast food has infiltrated every nook and cranny of American society. Everywhere you turn you can see a fast food restaurant. An industry that modestly began with very few hot dog and hamburger vendors now has become a multi-international industry selling its products to paying customers. Fast food can be found anywhere imaginable. Fast food is now served at restaurants and drive-through, at stadiums, airports, schools all over the nation. Surprisingly fast food can even be found at hospital cafeterias. In the past, people in the United States used to eat healthier and prepared food with their families. Today, many young people prefer to eat fast food such as high fat hamburgers, French-fries, fried chicken, or pizza in fast
Like the vast majority of Americans, I’ve eaten at a fast food restaurant before. Maybe the tables were sticky, or chicken was suspiciously white, but the fries tasted great, so I’d overlook the less enjoyable aspects of my experience. After reading Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, I understand that isn’t an option anymore. In ways both big and small, the fast food industry exerts a ridiculous amount of power over the American consumer, and it’s imperative that this be understood, should any impactful changes be made. As it stands now, the fast food industry is in dire need of reform, as it poses innumerable health and societal risks to the country and the world.
In the coming years, the baton will be accepted from one mega-generation to another as the millennials become adult and baby boomers begin to diminish into the background. This has the potential to alter where and how consumers shop for food as well as what products they choose (Smith, N, June 28, 2012). The experts point the three social trends that will affect food purchasing patterns include social networks, an aging population, and the emerging number of single-person households. Social network exposes people to new sources to get information about products that they want to buy and increases the access to products at low cost. Also, aging population may look for healthy choices to sustain their health and wellness. The millennials might not make healthier food choices because they tend to prefer ready to go
In the book Fast Food Nation: The Darks Side of the All-American Meal, Eric Schlosser claims that fast food impacts more than our eating habits, it impacts “…our economy, our culture, and our values”(3) . At the heart of Schlosser’s argument is that the entrepreneurial spirit —defined by hard work, innovation, and taking extraordinary risks— has nothing to do with the rise of the fast food empire and all its subsidiaries. In reality, the success of a fast food restaurant is contingent upon obtaining taxpayer money, avoiding government restraints, and indoctrinating its target audience from as young as possible. The resulting affordable, good-tasting, nostalgic, and addictive foods make it difficult to be reasonable about food choices, specifically in a fast food industry chiefly built by greedy executives.
From a study completed by Chicago-based Research International USA completed a study called “Fast Food Nation 2008. The panel consisted of 1,000 respondents of ages 16-65 who provided their inputs with an online survey which was conducted between March 13 through 2008. Which was based on results on fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are gaining popularity even through the economic hardship and recession. Marketing strategy has become more of influence on kids and young American’s. As population grows and the demand increases of fast food restaurants are expanding their stores to capturing more consumers. Fast food chains are also willing to change their menus to continue to gain and retain repeating customers. With each generation that passes, brings fast food chains into more homes and continues impacting lives.
The New York Times bestseller Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal is one of the most riveting books to come out about fast food restaurants to date (Schlosser, 2004). Fast food consumption has become a way of life for many in the United States as well as many other countries in the world. The author Eric Schlosser an investigative reporter whose impeccable researching and bold interviewing captures the true essence of the immense impact that fast food restaurants are having in America (2004). Beginning with McDonald’s, the first fast food restaurant, which opened on April 15, 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois to current trends of making fast food a global realization McDonald’s has paved the way for many fast food restaurants following the same basic ideal that is tasty foods served fast at a minimal cost (2011). Schlosser explains how fast food restaurants have gained substantial market share of the consumers; he also shows that by marketing to children and offering less unhealthful fare, that are purchased from mega-companies which are often camouflaged with added ingredients and cooked unhealthful ways, that these companies are indeed causing irreparable harm to our country (2004).
In Eric Schlosser book ‘Fast Food Nation’ he discusses his findings of the fast food industry and exposes it for what it is. Fast food has been an American tradition for over half a century and it’s not a mystery why. Fast food is the most convenient, quick, and cheapest way to get a meal. Not only is fast food cheap and convenient, it’s also loaded with grease and fat to make sure it keeps you coming back. Fast food has become almost more common than eating at home with “about half of the money used to buy food spent is at restaurants, mainly fast food restaurants.”(Schlosser) Fast food is causing problems because of the unsafe slaughterhouse conditions, questionable quality of food, and its advertising towards children.
American pay more in fast food than one does on entrainment like movies, books, and music combined. In 1970, The United States spend around $6 billion on fast food and by the end of 2011 the amount was nearly doubled to $110 billion. Fast food is now found all over the places like hospitals, airports, and zoos. “What We Eat”, wrote by Eric Schlosser reflects on his research on the far-reaching effects of the American life. “What We Eat,” is a look into the rapid increase and popularity in fast food for the American people along with the physical and social consequence of the rapidly growth of the service economy.
Over the last three decades, fast food has infiltrated every nook and cranny of American society and has become nothing less than a revolutionary force in American life. Fast food has gained a great popularity among different age groups in different parts of the globe, becoming a favorite delicacy of both adults and children.
Baby Boomers are the most powerful demographic group in history. Businesses thrives or fails based on their ability to keep pace with the likes and dislikes of this economic powerhouse known as the baby boomers. At 76 million strong, boomers have the influence to rule the marketplace and make sure they keep a place set just for them as the
Fast food can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Fast food is mass-produced; and provides a convenient food source, but what about nutrients? Many more would agree that the health benefits of a vegetarian diet might substantially reduce health risks. When considering other food related health options, “The Slow Food Movement” encompasses several different aspects regarding the fast food industry and sustainability of food production that applies a cohort mentality. This group of food advocates agrees that, “the Slow Food Movement rejects the notion of compromising nourishment for economic and health related outcomes.” (McCarthy 206) The groups form cohorts of growers, farmers, consumers, and educators to discuss viable options for food production, for sale and for consumption on an international level. McWilliams suggests another way to influence ethical eating: “Unitarian Universalists developed a system of ethically sound practices for production and consumption,” (405) Ethical eating involves the greenhouse effect and leaves behind an ecological footprint. An insightful look at marketing, production, and economy are all related to the ethical standards of eating, which impacts human beings from a global
Every twenty to thirty years, there is a new generation that is born. Every generation is different and brings advances as well as challenges into the world. In 1945 a new generation was born and by the time it was through it would be the biggest that this nation has ever seen. The baby boomers had arrived in staggering numbers and were ready to take the world by force. They made major advances in technology and modern medicine helping build a bigger and stronger America, but now they are entering their elderly years. The baby boomers are now becoming the elderly boomers and are dependent on this generation to make even greater progress so that they can be taken care of. As we move forward there are many challenges we will to overcome, such
Through Eric Schlosser’s book Fast Food Nation he examines the effects that fast food has impacted the world and the way it is affecting the people that are consuming it. As the fast food industry continues to grow throughout not only the United States but the whole world, marketing companies are always looking for ways to broaden the group of people that are interested in buying their product over another company’s. As a marketer for a fast food company it is essential to have a group of people that you can rely on to always buy the company’s product, to many fast food companies they found this group of people to be adolescents and children. Marketing groups specifically market their products to entice this group of people to lure them in. Food is an object that is needed for the survival of a human, but the type of food that humans chose to eat is also not always the best. Because fast food is so cheap and easily accessible just about everywhere you turn your head, many people resort to eating it even though it is very unhealthy. With these factors present, many adults have exposed their children to fast food at a young age, these parents do not always think about the long term effects of feeding their children fast food because they are so caught up in the moment of feeding their kids right then and there; they do not think about the health risks that can occur later as a result from eating fast food now.
As Americans, we’re always on the go. When hungry and have no time there are many fast and healthy items available. Many people who say that fast food chains is the main cause of obesity in America because there are plenty of fast food restaurants on every block with very few healthy options ("Do Fast Food Restaurants Contribute to Obesity?"). Fast food business are very easy to find and offer quick service, but there are other options that are healthy, especially in urban areas. Restaurants such as Panera offer a range of items that are healthy and offer a quick service for those on a schedule. In addition to these healthier options, it is also possible to pack their own snack or meal. People often become lazy when it comes to just cooking their meals at home. This choice allows the customer, to control what they eat.
We blame the millennials for their behavior and their different characteristics compared to previous generations; however, what if we stop looking at the millennials and start looking at the reasons that they behave sensitively? Each generation contains their differences, including the way they educate the next generation. We continuously judge the millennials behavior, but we rarely judge the people who influenced this behavior. Education has changed throughout the ages, not to mention the parenting skills that vary from generation to generation, which has affected the millennials way of interacting in the world. Millennials grow up believing that they are imperative, that they are secure, that the world will conform to their generation, and that the world is a “nice” place. This teaching, causes millennials to be sensitive babies early on in life. True, millennials have the freedom to act the way they want; nevertheless, like other generations, millennials will act the way that parents and other influences taught them to behave. The millennial generation should not be liable for their