Self-checkout stations at grocery stores and other vendors are becoming increasingly popular, but companies have found a unique way to deter potential shoplifters — by using mirrors strategically placed near the stations.
A Mashable article from last year highlighted this method, which has recently gone viral due to a rise in thefts affecting grocery stores nationwide.
Initially, it was assumed that the mirrors were there so shoppers could check themselves out before paying. However, the true purpose of these reflective devices is to create a sense of guilt in potential thieves.
While it may seem ineffective since there is no one actively monitoring the actions of would-be robbers, mirrors have been found to psychologically impact individuals and make them feel guilty. The extent to which they can facilitate “guilt tipping” remains unknown.
According to a 1976 study published in the journal “Letters on Behavioral Evolutionary Science,” people who are in a self-aware situation such as in front of a mirror are less likely to engage in antinormative behavior like stealing or cheating compared to those who are not.
The presence of mirrors activates individuals’ private self-awareness and influences their decision-making, even in the absence of social cues.
The study suggests that socially desirable behavior is influenced by mirrors, although the exact mechanism behind this effect is not well understood. One theory is that the mirror prompts individuals to reflect on their actions before committing a crime.
Psychology Today suggests that mirrors allow people to watch over themselves, leading to more upright behavior in order to maintain a self-image.
Grocery stores have chosen not to publicly acknowledge the use of mirrors as a theft prevention measure, likely to avoid tipping off potential shoplifters.
However, experts argue that mirrors alone are not enough to prevent shoplifting at self-checkouts, which are known for being vulnerable to theft due to the lack of personnel. Scams include weighing expensive items as cheaper alternatives and scanning unauthorized barcodes.
A study cited by Tellermate reported that if 50% of transactions were through self-checkout, losses would be 77% higher than average.
In addition to theft, self-checkout stations also contribute to problems like increased loneliness and decreased empathy due to the lack of human interaction. There are even instances where innocent customers have been falsely accused of stealing by stores using self-checkouts.
Some individuals have accused self-checkouts of “guilt tipping” by giving customers the option to leave a gratuity for servicing themselves, leading to an unjustified increase in costs for customers.
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