Finally, agencies and organizations involved in consumer education and assistance
study consumer behaviors that are socially (or individually) destructive.
These behaviors are often referred to as the “dark side of consumer behavior.”
This dark side includes consumer actions that are unhealthy, unethical, illegal,
and potentially dangerous to individuals or society, such as misusing or overusing
products, compulsive purchasing, shoplifting, and product tampering.
Governments, businesses, and consumer interest groups want to curb these
undesirable behaviors. Accordingly, these groups often study consumer behavior to
best formulate strategies to promote positive behaviors (e.g., getting regular mammograms)
or aid in the cessation of negative behaviors (e.g., quitting smoking).