GoKawiilBook examines how algorithmic pricing is eroding the fixed-price norm
Lindsay Owens, CEO of Groundwork Collaborative and former economic adviser to Senator Elizabeth Warren, discusses her new book 'Gouged: The End of a Fair Price and What That Means for Your Wallet' in an interview timed to its release. She argues that software and algorithmic tools have enabled companies to move away from fixed pricing toward personalized, variable pricing that can disadvantage consumers, and warns that generative AI could accelerate this trend.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Owens' argument suggests that a pricing norm dating back roughly 150 years is being displaced by data-driven systems that can tailor costs to individual shoppers, potentially widening the gap between what different consumers pay for the same goods. Her background advising on consumer economic policy lends weight to warnings that emerging AI tools could deepen this shift, though the consequences remain speculative until regulation or consumer behavior responds.
- Lindsay Owens' book 'Gouged' is now available and addresses surveillance pricing.
- She attributes the decline of fixed pricing largely to technology adopted by big tech companies.
- Owens warns generative AI could worsen existing pricing disparities for consumers.
Gouged: The End of a Fair Price — This is literally the book discussed in the article—a deep dive into how surveillance pricing and algorithms are reshaping what you pay for everyday goods. If you're frustrated by dynamic pricing tricks, Owens' firsthand policy experience makes this a smart, practical read to understand and fight back.
See Gouged: The End of a Fair Price on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Reece Rogers, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “How to Beat Surveillance Pricing Before It Bleeds You Dry”
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