Culture · 08/15/2025

The American tipping culture is shifting from a reward to an obligation. The prevalence of technology and ubiquitous tipping options create pressure for consumers to tip, often feeling 'forced' to do so. Inflation further exacerbates this issue. Balancing consumer rights and service worker income is a pressing problem for American society. The expectation of tips has become so ingrained that refusing to tip is often seen as a social faux pas, regardless of the quality of service. This evolving dynamic necessitates a re-evaluation of the tipping system and its impact on both consumers and service providers.