The dark side of touch-screen tipping

Same here. I went to a grocery store yesterday, albeit a “fancy” one with unique and difficult to find products in a nice part of town. I got to the checkout which was operated by an employee who scanned a few of my overpriced items, and then, completely unexpectedly, a tip screen appeared. Before I even realized what I had done because it was a muscle reflex, I tipped $7.50 for the privilege of having a store employee scan a few items for me. I was angry at myself for going so quickly through the checkout process and letting force of habit guide my hand, but also pissed at the merchant for even having this screen turned on in the first place.

It didn’t help that the DEFAULT tip amount that was pre-selected was for 25% (the middle of 3 options). Tipping has gotten totally out of control, and you have to pay attention lest you wind up like me, tipping for everyday ordinary functions that businesses are already paying employees to do. FWIW, I am all for tipping for exceptional service, and often tip 20%+ when that’s the case, but these compulsory tip screens for every goddamn thing are just insane.