Nicole Shapiro ’19

Imagine being able to go into a store, take whatever you want and just leave. One may question: isn’t that just stealing? Well, technically, no. At least not at Amazon Go.

Amazon Go is Amazon’s new grocery store located in Seattle, Washington. The newest technology allows customers to enter their store using the Amazon app and take any groceries they want and just leave. There is no swiping of your credit card or handing over cash; costs are automatically charged to your Amazon account.

“Our Just Walk Out Technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart,” according to Amazon. “When you’re done shopping, you can just leave the store. Shortly after, we’ll send you a receipt and charge your Amazon account.”

This newest shopping invention seems like the perfect way to squeeze in grocery shopping between your already very busy schedule, but is it realistic? The idea behind Amazon Go is to have a grocery store that is stress free and quick with no lines, but this new technology might be taking it a bit too far.

According to USA Today, “Hundreds (literally, I asked Amazon) of cameras in the ceiling look down on the space and just as many sensors dot the shelves.” The sensors can tell when a customer has taken an item off the shelves and once you leave the store, will charge it to your Amazon account. Although this technology allows customers to shop quickly, it is pretty creepy knowing that Amazon will know what you buy, when you buy it and watches you while you are buying it.

Not having to deal with lines is one thing, but what’s next? Not even having to leave your house to grocery shop because Amazon already knows what you want before you want it? Don’t get me wrong, this new technology can be a benefit for many people who don’t have time to shop or wait in lines, but one question that always lingered in the back of my mind is: when does it become too much?