The Reasons People Eat Fast Food

What motivates people to eat at fast food restaurants? Could it be that they just enjoy fast food? I believe there are three goals that consumers attempt to balance when deciding what and where to eat. Consumers have switched to fast food because of social pleasure, eating pleasure, and lifestyle support.

The first goal that consumers attempt to balance when deciding what and where to eat is social pleasure. Consumers gain pleasure and acceptance when eating and interacting socially. In restaurants, people can gather with family members for socialization. Fast food dining also enables people to renew and strengthen friendships. They also dine in restaurants to sometimes celebrate special occasions. Also, fast food dining lends itself to instant satisfaction for hungry children, as well as peer socialization on the indoor playgrounds. For years, business associates have gathered at fast food restaurants for a combination of socialization blended with business interaction. Social pleasure is one reason for adults to dine in fast food restaurants.

The second goal that consumers attempt to balance when deciding what and where to eat is eating pleasure. Many of the advertisements on television are aimed at making the fast food appealing to the eye and stomach. Pictures of the product and the satisfied consumer demonstrate the enjoyment found in eating. Also, consumers eat to satisfy their craving for a particular food. This is why the publ...