A McDonald’s customer is sounding the alarm on how the fast-food chain may be subtly encouraging people to spend more through its self-service kiosks.
In a recent TikTok video that’s garnered over 97,000 views, user Manvir Dosanjh (@manvir.dosanjh) breaks down how these touchscreen menus could be tricking customers into paying for more than they intended. With fast-food prices already on the rise, this revelation has sparked a lot of reactions.
Fast-Food Prices Are Skyrocketing!
Over the past decade, fast-food prices have soared. From 2014 to 2024, menu prices at many fast-food spots have increased by anywhere from 39% to 100%. That’s a bigger jump than the general inflation rate of 31% over the same period, according to Finance Buzz.
Customers are feeling the pinch. One parent even shared how a meal for four at Taco Bell cost him $53—almost as much as a sit-down meal at a restaurant. Another noted that they could get a cheaper meal at Chili’s than at McDonald’s. So, what’s driving these high prices?
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How McDonald’s Touchscreens May Be Influencing Your Order?
According to Dosanjh, McDonald’s uses self-service kiosks to subtly encourage customers to spend more. One way they do this is by placing their most expensive items at eye level on the screen, making them the first thing customers see.
“It’s just like a supermarket shelf,” Dosanjh explains, “where the priciest items are right in front of you, and the cheaper ones are down low.”
Once a customer selects an item, the menu asks if they want to make it a meal, which Dosanjh says is a tactic to upsell.
“This tricks you into thinking that the burger alone won’t be enough,” he says. “So, of course, you go for the meal.”
@manvir.dosanjh How McDonald’s tricks you into spending more money
♬ original sound – Manvir Dosanjh
Then, after adding an item to the cart, the kiosk shows an animation, which Dosanjh claims is designed to reward customers for spending more. But instead of going straight to checkout, the kiosk brings them back to the menu, encouraging them to add even more items.
Meanwhile, the running total stays at the bottom of the screen, out of sight, which Dosanjh refers to as a “dark pattern” meant to distract customers from seeing how much they’re actually spending. What started as a simple order can quickly balloon to $26.75.
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Do People Really Spend More at Kiosks?
According to reports, it’s true that customers tend to spend more when ordering at self-service kiosks.
Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti said earlier this year that kiosk orders were about 10% higher than those placed with a cashier. Other data suggests kiosk orders increase by 15% to 20% on average.
Since kiosks are cheaper for restaurants to operate than paying an employee, it’s no surprise that many fast-food chains are embracing this technology.
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Customers React to Rising Fast-Food Prices!
In the comments on Dosanjh’s video, viewers expressed their frustration with fast-food prices and kiosks.
“I only order Happy Meals now,” one user said, referencing the rising costs. Another added, “It might work at first, but when I see the price, I start all over.”
One commenter shared a striking comparison: “I used to spend about $6 for a 20-piece nugget box… now you only get 6 nuggets for that. Let that sink in.”
As prices continue to rise, it seems more customers are rethinking their fast-food spending habits—and it’s not just the food that’s on their minds, but the way they order it too.