Why Your Digital Payments Might Be Making You Spend More
With the widespread adoption of UPI, mobile wallets, and contactless cards, India has embraced digital payments like never before. The transition has been fast, smooth, and, for the most part, incredibly convenient. But while going cashless has made life easier, it has also introduced a subtle shift in how we perceive money—and more importantly, how we spend it. What was once a deliberate act involving physical notes now requires just a tap, a swipe, or a scan. And this frictionless experience may be leading many of us to spend more than we intend. The Disconnection Between Money and Value When we pay with cash, there’s a sense of parting with something tangible. Handing over a ₹500 note for a coffee or a movie makes the transaction feel real. But with digital payments, that emotional connection is weakened. There’s no physical exchange, and this can dull our sensitivity to the value of what we’re spending on. This mental gap between money and value often results in people approv...