For this first scrolling experiment, I decided on looking for a new cleanser to purchase since the one I am currently using has been drying my skin. I didn’t have a specific one in mind, so I just looked up “face cleanser” in the google search engine. What immediately popped up was a sponsored site/company called Curology, which is skincare you can get customized to your specific skin type. However, since this required me getting a subscription, I scrolled past because my goal was not to spend too much money.

As I continued to scroll I came across the people also search for box, which contained more specific searches like: “face cleanser machine”, “face cleanser for acne”…etc. This then led me to change and specify my original search to “best face cleansers for combination skin”, since it wold lead me more to what I am looking for. However more sponsored sites popped up so I decided to click on the shopping tab. What really stood out to me when doing this was seeing all of the ratings under each product and being able to choose specific price ranges to be able to find an affordable and good quality cleanser. This is a much quicker and efficient process than trying to find an item shopping in person. You would typically need to ask someone who works at the store their opinion on the product or if they have any cheaper versions which could ultimately lead to not the most truthful response. So, after narrowing the prices down I decided on purcahsing the Cetaphil facial cleanser for $14 with 4.4 star ratings. Based on the 41,560 reviews, it says that it doesn’t dry skin out which was exaclty what I was lookng for.

When starting the browsing experiment, I decided to go to my favorite store in town, Dancing Hands this Wednesday since I had no classes that day. Everytime I have gone to this store, I never have a specific thing I want to purchase as all of the items are so individual and unique. So, going into the store with the mindset of not buying anything and just looking made me feel an appreciation for the items more and gave me the opportunity to really explore. Even though this is considered a jewelry store, they sold some other things like crystals. My roomates and I purchased a cute crystal tree from there that’s currently sitting on our windowsill.

As I continued walking around, I noticed how there was always something new to look at; whether it be necklace charms, different ring designs, earrings, bracelets, etc. I found myself throughly enjoying this experience. It felt more rewarding than actually purchasing an item. It kind of felt like I was viewing the objects in this quaint shop as pieces in a museum.

Overall, I felt that the second experiment was a much more rewarding and engaging process. While online shopping can be more convenient in terms of finding a specific item you need or would like to purchase, I think that it is also very important to utlize some of your free time to browse around in stores even if you don’t buy anything. You gain a stronger connection to the objects this way and a sense of pleasure just exposing yourself to new things. So, I do agree with Guriel’s view on the importance of browsing because constantly scrolling online creates a disconnect with the real world and separates yourself from having meaningful connections with objects and their stories.