This supermarket doesn’t trust self-checkout shoppers, so it installed — oh, this

The effects of new technology can sometimes affect you.

When I first saw the self-checkout lanes in the supermarket, I assumed they were not for me but would please people who just bought one or two things.

Gradually, however, I experienced these regressive feelings of wobbling to replace humans with (imperfect) technology.

I’ve had bad experiences every time I was forced to check in at Heathrow airport.

Somehow, the machine would never let me pay without the help of the store staff.

Then I started to think that some people were actively rebelling, after seeing pictures of long lines of customers waiting for a cashier and Skip the self-examination.

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Next, I learned that some supermarket chains removed the self-checking lane because, supposedly, too many customers helped me with unpaid purchases.

Furthermore, other supermarket chains are now staffing up to check if the self-checkers are actually paying.

I keep wondering what’s wrong with this photo. Why are all these good supermarkets suddenly lacking in human trust?

Getting to the cashier is usually quicker, because they’re good at their job, know all the product codes and even pack for you.

Going for a self-test just involves you trying to do your job without any prior training.

Now, however, a major supermarket chain has made another good wheeze. The British chain Sainsbury’s — which is quite posh, on a nice day — has installed barriers after you’ve done your self-checkout.

Like Manchester Evening News reportself-payers must now scan their receipts before being allowed to leave the building.

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Imagine the frustration of the shopper. Self-pay means faster. Now, there is one more thing that shoppers must remember to complete the task.

Well, let’s hear the words of a disgruntled person Sainsbury’s customers: “They’re basically holding [people] hostage against their will as they refuse to let people leave without scanning receipts that not everyone chose to take in the first place. What will they do? Hold someone hostage and rummage through the bags before releasing you?”

Most likely, I imagine. They will probably have to hire a full-time self-checkout security officer who will be paid more than they pay the cashier.

Of course, one can understand retailers wanting to use technology to save money. Supermarket retail is a low-margin business. Why, Walmart even threatened to close the stores because of the increase in petty theft.

Furthermore, Sainsbury’s insists it is “not a new security measure and is featured in a small number of our stores in self-service checkout areas.” (I wonder how the company chooses which stores will enjoy this good service.)

Too often, technology is being used to turn customers into employees without providing enough benefit to the customer.

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Is it an unacceptable irony to claim to offer customers a quicker way to leave, and then place a barrier preventing them from doing so?

Technology has always been said to have uplifting benefits. However, here is the exact opposite. Doesn’t going to a cashier feel more psychologically comfortable? More human.

Oh, but maybe this is just a hiccup. Soon we will have tiny chips embedded in our hands that identify us personally. That way, we’ll be charged for the scan, directly to our credit card.

And, don’t forget, the supermarket will know exactly where we live. Just in case, you understand.