Blog #488: Black Friday or Cyber Monday: Which is Better for Neurodivergent Individuals?

It’s the day before thanksgiving and while most people will try to focus on celebrating being thankful and eating turkey, stuffing, etc., there are others who are jumping the gun and instead focusing the holiday shopping season. As you may have known, I had worked in the retail industry for nearly 20 years and this will be my first holiday season since I left the industry back in May.

This, of course, gives me the opportunity to see the holiday shopping season from the perspective of a non-retail worker. To this end, I want to answer the age old question of which is better for neurodivergent shoppers: Black Friday (shopping in person) or Cyber Monday (shopping remotely)?

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When it comes to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there is a psychological standpoint that has to be taken into account. These two days after Thanksgiving are a representation of either going out into society or staying home and moving at your own pace.

For Black Friday, most people will often associate Black Friday with being up in the middle of the night to purchase expensive must have gifts that the receiver probably doesn’t even need in the end. Black Friday and holiday shopping in person does tend to bring out the worst in humanity more than the best. Trust me, I have dealt with holiday shoppers I wanted to do something to because they think that the material item is more important than the mental health of the soul they are attacking.

In a way, Black Friday and in person holiday shopping is essentially a sensory overload risk that the individual probably doesn’t even need to begin with. Just the idea of dealing with the public who only has their mind on something immaterial is not worth it.

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As for Cyber Monday and holiday shopping online, this is the best option for neurodivergent individuals with sensory issues. When it comes to Cyber Monday and remote shopping, you don’t have to deal with the crowds and the ignorance that comes with it. Essentially, you are shopping at your own pace and most likely than not, you will find what you are looking for. I’ve often embraced shopping remotely over in person shopping because of this.

However, I also understand that for some individuals, remote shopping often comes with its disadvantages as the individual is reduced to being confined and not being able to social interact with others. But holiday shopping crowds aren’t for everyone and essentially, not everyone is going to get what they want. Sometimes its best to reduce human interaction and this is one of those times.

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In conclusion, if you want to take a tip from me on what is the best option for holiday shopping, go with Cyber Monday and online shopping because at the end of the day, the holidays are stressful enough as it is.

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Catch you all later!!