The Downside to Online Food Delivery

As more and more millennials and young professionals use restaurant delivery services, experts say there are pitfalls to the convenience that can include addiction, according to The Tennessean.

Uber Eats had $7.9 billion in total food sales in 2018, and with other delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates growing rapidly, the total projected marketplace is $17 billion in online food delivery.

Pundits point to the convenience factor; some say it's about never getting bored and having more choices available. But there might be another reason.

David Greenfield, founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (yes, there is such a group) says ordering food online can be addictive.

"When it comes to internet addiction, necessity is not the mother of invention. Convenience is," he says.

The accessibility of so many at-your-fingertips meal options comes with psychological and personal finance pitfalls. Eating alone can be depressing, and constantly ordering takeout can be expensive. But it is truly the first one that has me concerned. As more and more people—especially kids—are glued to their screens, they are becoming more anti-social and are lacking in basic communication skills with others. How this plays out could have detrimental effects on our workplaces and social lives. 

The Food Marketing Institute's National Family Meals Month is dedicated to encouraging families to enjoy just one more meal at home each week to strengthen the family’s social fabric and promote healthier eating. We urge all our grocery retailers to participate and help change the course of isolation.