FTC Sues Amazon for Dark Patterns

U.S. Media

•

7 days

Summary

sources
97
Narrative Items
149
Bottom Line Up Front

97 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 149 narrative items relating to the narrative that Amazon Prime Video is enhancing its holiday offerings and subscription value. The themes connect through promotions for free movies, discounted streaming channels, and membership cancellation discussions, highlighting consumer choices and the evolving landscape of streaming services.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that different media sources are portraying Amazon Prime Video's current offerings and promotions in varied lights. The New York Post presents the holiday streaming deals in a positive light, emphasizing the extensive selection of films including classics and popular releases, using inviting language that appeals to holiday sentiments. Conversely, Kotaku's critique of MrBeast's new show casts a negative light, utilizing phrases like "falls flat" and "generic" to suggest disappointment, highlighting a feeling of unmet expectations. Meanwhile, Mashable offers a straightforward and neutral account regarding membership cancellation methods, devoid of charged language but presenting practical information that many readers would find useful. Variety and Hollywood Reporter focus on promotional angles, noting significant savings with a positive slant, although their language is more factual than emotionally charged. Overall, there is a clear contrast between the enthusiastic holiday promotions and the critical reception of specific content on the platform, with some sources leaning toward celebratory tones and others towards skepticism or critique.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
New York Post
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Mashable
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
CNET
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Rolling Stone
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Hollywood Reporter
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
KVIA ABC-7 News
3% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
ZDnet
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Coloradoan
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Savannah Morning News
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
New York Post
nypost.com
17 holiday movies to stream right now with a Prime Video subscription
Amazon Prime Video offers 17 free holiday movies for subscribers, including new releases like "Red One" and classics such as "White Christmas." The selection also features films debated as Christmas movies, like "Die Hard." A 30-day free trial is available for non-members.
Amplifiers:
Hollywood Reporter
hollywoodreporter.com
Prime Video’s $1.99 Streaming Deals Include Paramount+, Starz, MGM+ and More Channel Subscriptions
Amazon Prime Video offers a holiday sale until January 2nd, 2025. Prime members can get select streaming channels (Paramount+, Starz, MGM+, etc.) for $1.99/month for two months. This includes significant savings on popular services. A Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year) or Prime Video subscription ($8.99/month) is required; new subscribers get a 30-day free trial.
Amplifiers:
Mashable
mashable.com
How to cancel your Amazon Prime membership
This guide explains how to cancel an Amazon Prime membership via app or desktop. The process involves navigating to account settings, selecting "Manage Prime Membership," and then choosing to end the membership. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle. Even without Prime, many Black Friday deals remain accessible.
Amplifiers:
WIRED
wired.com
The 25 Best Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now
Amazon Prime offers a diverse selection of films, from classic holiday movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" to modern hits such as "No Time to Die" and quirky comedies like "Bottoms." The streaming service boasts a wide range of genres and styles, including biopics, thrillers, and romantic comedies, all available with a Prime subscription.
Amplifiers:
Kotaku
kotaku.com
MrBeast And Amazon Prime's Beast Games Feels Flat And Unimportant
MrBeast's Amazon Prime show, "Beast Games," despite a $100 million budget and large scale, falls flat. While the premise—a Squid Game-esque competition with a $5 million prize—is intriguing, the execution lacks MrBeast's signature chaotic energy and feels like generic, poorly produced reality TV. The show's derivative nature and underwhelming presentation fail to engage viewers, making it ultimately disappointing.
Amplifiers:
The Daily Dot
dailydot.com
'I order from Target a lot now': Amazon member cancels her Prime membership for 6 months. Then she has an A-Ha moment
A TikToker cancelled her Amazon Prime membership, citing ethical concerns about Amazon and unreliable fast shipping. She now receives orders within four days without Prime, finding the slower, free shipping comparable to her previous Prime experience. She encourages others to consider cancelling, arguing the expedited shipping isn't worth the cost.
Amplifiers:
New York Post
nypost.com
Select Prime Video Channels are just $2/month with this end-of-year sale
Amazon Prime offers a limited-time deal: select Prime Video Channels are only $2/month for two months. This includes services like Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and Acorn TV, offering significant savings on movies, shows, and sports. The offer ends January 2nd.
Amplifiers:
New York Post
decider.com
Prime Video Channels For $2/month Now: Starz, Paramount+, More
Amazon Prime offers Prime Video Channels at $1.99/month for two months. This includes Paramount+, Starz, Hallmark+, Acorn TV, and many more, offering significant savings on various streaming services. The deal is limited-time only and requires a Prime membership.
Amplifiers:
Mashable
mashable.com
How to watch 'Blink Twice': Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut is headed to Prime Video
Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, "Blink Twice," a thriller starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, streams on Prime Video January 21st. Previously on MGM+, it received positive reviews. Viewers can access it via Prime Video or MGM+ subscriptions, potentially utilizing free trials to watch it at no cost.
Amplifiers:
Variety
variety.com
Paramount+, Starz, MGM+ and More Are Down to $2/Month With These Prime Video Holiday Deals
Prime Video offers huge discounts (up to 83%) on Paramount+, Starz, MGM+, and other channels for 12 days (Dec. 22-Jan. 2). Many channels are reduced to $1.99/month for the first two months, a significantly lower price than previous sales. This deal requires an Amazon Prime membership.
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Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Contestants allege mistreatment and harassment
Five unnamed contestants from the 'Beast Games' competition show have filed a class-action lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon, claiming they experienced sexual harassment and chronic mistreatment.
USA TODAY Contributor Information
The text introduces Greta Cross as a national trending reporter for USA TODAY and encourages readers to follow her on social media.
Contestants face challenges for prizes
The reality show 'Beast Games' involves 1,000 contestants competing in various challenges for significant prizes, but has faced legal issues due to allegations of workplace abuse.
Critique of MoneyLion's marketing tactics
Saunders criticizes MoneyLion for using enticing promotions to lure young people into high-interest loans that jeopardize their financial stability.
Streaming Guide for Beast Games
To watch 'Beast Games', stream it on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at noon EST.
Rise of a YouTube content creator
Donaldson, a 26-year-old YouTube creator, gained fame for his extreme challenges and now boasts 337 million subscribers, the highest on the platform.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Companies
Amazon
E-commerce and cloud computing giant, owner of Prime Video.
MGM+
Streaming service offering a variety of films and shows.
Paramount+
Streaming service featuring movies, shows, and live sports.
Starz
Premium cable and streaming service known for original series and films.
People
MrBeast
Popular YouTuber known for extravagant challenges and philanthropy.
Zoë Kravitz
Actress and director, known for her roles in various films and her directorial debut 'Blink Twice'.
Channing Tatum
Actor and producer, known for his roles in films like 'Magic Mike' and '21 Jump Street'.
Naomi Ackie
Actress known for her roles in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' and 'The End of the F***ing World'.
Events
Holiday Sale
Amazon Prime's promotional event offering discounts on streaming channels.
Release of 'Blink Twice'
The premiere of Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut on Prime Video.
Black Friday
A shopping event known for significant discounts and deals.
Technologies
Streaming Channels
Services that allow users to watch content online, often via subscription.
Fast Shipping
Delivery service that promises quick arrival of purchased items.
Organizations
Prime Video
Amazon's streaming service offering a wide range of films and TV shows.
TikTok
Social media platform for sharing short videos.
Companies
Amazon
E-commerce and cloud computing giant, owner of Prime Video.
MGM+
Streaming service offering a variety of films and shows.
Paramount+
Streaming service featuring movies, shows, and live sports.
Starz
Premium cable and streaming service known for original series and films.
People
MrBeast
Popular YouTuber known for extravagant challenges and philanthropy.
Zoë Kravitz
Actress and director, known for her roles in various films and her directorial debut 'Blink Twice'.
Channing Tatum
Actor and producer, known for his roles in films like 'Magic Mike' and '21 Jump Street'.
Naomi Ackie
Actress known for her roles in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' and 'The End of the F***ing World'.
Events
Holiday Sale
Amazon Prime's promotional event offering discounts on streaming channels.
Release of 'Blink Twice'
The premiere of Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut on Prime Video.
Black Friday
A shopping event known for significant discounts and deals.
Technologies
Streaming Channels
Services that allow users to watch content online, often via subscription.
Fast Shipping
Delivery service that promises quick arrival of purchased items.
Organizations
Prime Video
Amazon's streaming service offering a wide range of films and TV shows.
TikTok
Social media platform for sharing short videos.

Context

Amazon Prime Video's holiday offerings reflect broader trends in consumer behavior and the streaming industry. The demographic landscape in the U.S. shows a diverse population with varying preferences for entertainment, which streaming services like Amazon cater to by providing a wide range of genres and films. The availability of both classic and contemporary holiday movies appeals to different age groups and cultural backgrounds, enhancing viewer engagement during the festive season.

Economically, the subscription model of Amazon Prime, which combines shopping benefits with streaming services, has proven effective in attracting and retaining customers. The promotional pricing for streaming channels during the holiday season is a strategic move to increase subscriptions and viewership, especially as competition in the streaming market intensifies.

Politically, discussions around ethical consumption, as highlighted by the TikToker's cancellation of her Prime membership, reflect growing consumer awareness regarding corporate practices. This trend may influence Amazon's policies and marketing strategies as they seek to maintain a positive public image.

Geographically, Amazon's vast distribution network allows it to offer services across the U.S., but regional differences in shipping expectations and service quality can impact customer satisfaction.

From a national security perspective, the reliance on major corporations like Amazon for essential services raises concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. As streaming services become integral to daily life, ensuring the security of user data is paramount.

Overall, Amazon Prime Video's holiday promotions and content offerings illustrate the intersection of consumer preferences, economic strategies, and broader societal issues, highlighting the complexities of the modern digital landscape.
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World Events
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