The Negative Influence of Buy Now Pay Later Platforms on Irresponsible Spending

This study investigates the negative impact of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platforms on consumer spending behaviours, focusing on how specific design features contribute to irresponsible spending. Through a two-stage qualitative research design involving a netnographic study on Reddit and exploratory interviews, the study identifies four key design mechanisms—excessive consumerism, effortless convenience, addictive gamification, and information obscurity—that encourage overspending. The findings reveal that these design elements exploit consumer vulnerabilities, leading to financial strain and poor financial decision-making. The study emphasizes the need for more ethically designed BNPL platforms to mitigate these adverse effects. The insights gained from this research contribute to understanding the relationship between fintech design and consumer financial well-being, offering guidance for developing responsible fintech solutions that promote sustainable consumption.