Summer has arrived, and while some people are out there sweating it out under the sun, big corporate players like Amazon are ready to cash in on your desire for something “refreshing and sweet.” But let’s break this down: is Amazon really providing a treat for the masses, or are they just pushing consumerism under the guise of summer fun? You can bet your last popsicle that mainstream media outlets like CNN are more than willing to pump up this narrative—because it’s all about clicks and cash, baby.

It’s fascinating how they frame this “treat yourself” advice, touting Amazon as the ultimate savior of summer. They love to sell the idea that indulging in sweet finds is a rite of passage, without revealing the fact that these same corporations are benefiting massively from your spend-happy mindset. Where’s the cautionary tale about hyper-consumerism? Where’s the critical look at how quickly we’re programmed to reach into our wallets rather than enjoy nature, friends, or the simple pleasures in life?

Meanwhile, they parade options in front of you, acting as if it’s the height of self-care. But come on! Do we really need another fruit-infused gadget that’s likely made in a factory that doesn’t care about sustainability? Where’s the digging and uncovering from outlets like Fox News, who would rather toe the company line? It’s a lost opportunity for credible journalism to challenge these narratives that only serve to line corporate pockets further.

In the end, don’t let the shiny ads fool you. The real “refreshment” would be stepping back and questioning why we’re so quick to fill our carts instead of filling our lives with richer experiences.