A team of researchers from the University of Wiltz have concluded that the surest way to become a raging misanthrope is by attempting to use Facebook Marketplace.
“Even seemingly loving, peaceful people quickly turn into contempt-filled people haters after trying to buy or sell anything on the platform,” said Dr. Fernand Feuri, who published the team’s findings in an article.
“It’s more effective than having a bus driver speed off without you while other passengers smile and watch with glee,” he said, “or seeing photos of your ex with her new, richer, more attractive boyfriend.”
“Engaging with Facebook Marketplace is like being forced into an interactive museum exhibit of the most despicable human traits,” explained Karola Angst, one of the researchers. “Greed, arrogance, laziness, deceitfulness, and impatience – from both sellers and buyers.”
She cited the case of one man who repeatedly tried to sell used iPhones for more than the cost of new ones. Another person advertised a washing machine but decided to keep it, and yet she never removed the ad nor responded to any of the hundreds of inquiries she got.
“At least two-thirds of users make a point of taking days to respond to messages for no particular reason, while the other third angrily respond with a series of question marks if the other party doesn’t answer within minutes,” she said.
One seller recounts posting an ad for a ski jacket that was brand-new but unwearable because it didn’t fit him. A man from Petange made an offer fifty euros below the asking price.
“I sensed that he didn’t have much money, so I agreed, gave my home address, and suggested some times when he might stop by,” the seller said. “After a week without any news, he asked if I could meet him halfway, at a petrol station in Schifflange, and I agreed.”
“When I got to Schifflange, he told me his car wasn’t working, and asked if I could just meet him at a café near his place in Petange, and that unfortunately he could only pay me half of what he’d originally offered,” the seller continued. “As we’d already been planning this cursed sale for two weeks and I’d come this far, I agreed.”
After waiting at the café for thirty minutes and not receiving any news from the buyer, the seller drove back to his home in Bereldange. A few weeks later, he got a message from the same buyer asking if the item was still for sale.
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Originally published by RTL Today
