#consumerboycott

WASHINGTON D.C. — In a shocking turn of events that has left millions of Americans reeling, the entire nation collectively realized today that they would be unable to spend money for an entire 24-hour period due to the government-mandated "Blackout Friday" initiative. The unprecedented crisis has sparked widespread panic, with citizens grappling with the terrifying prospect of existing without engaging in commerce for a full day. "I... I don't know what to do with my hands," stammered Sarah Johnson, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Chicago, as she stared blankly at her idle smartphone. "I've tried swiping my credit card on various surfaces around my apartment, but nothing's happening. Is this what our ancestors felt like?" The initiative, announced by Karen McDollars as a measure to "remind Americans of the joys of non-consumerist living," has been met with confusion, outrage, and in some cases, physical symptoms of withdrawal. Reports of citizens experiencing cold sweats, trembling, and uncontrollable urges to recite their credit card numbers have flooded emergency services nationwide. In New York City, impromptu support groups have formed in parks and abandoned storefronts, with shell-shocked individuals huddling together for comfort. "Hi, I'm Brad, and it's been 3 hours since my last purchase," one man was overheard saying to a circle of nodding, teary-eyed peers. Economic experts have weighed in on the potential ramifications of this day-long spending hiatus. Dr. Moneybags McWallet, chief economist at the prestigious Buy 'Til You Die Institute, warned of dire consequences. "Our projections indicate that this 24-hour period of non-spending could lead to a catastrophic 0.00001% drop in GDP," McWallet explained, visibly shaken. "The very fabric of our society is at stake. What's next? People realizing they don't need to upgrade their phones every six months?" On Wall Street, traders have resorted to exchanging Monopoly money and Pokemon cards in a desperate attempt to feel some semblance of normalcy. "It's not the same," lamented trader Chad Chadington III, clutching a fistful of colorful bills, "but at least it's something." The corporate world has scrambled to adapt to this bizarre new reality. Amazon hastily announced "Pre-order Saturday," a service allowing customers to schedule purchases for the moment Blackout Friday ends. "We understand the pain our valued consumers are going through," said CEO Jeff Bezos via hologram. "That's why we're offering a 0.0001% discount on all items ordered during this difficult time." Meanwhile, Starbucks has introduced "Imagination Lattes," encouraging caffeine addicts to visualize their favorite overpriced beverages. "Just close your eyes and pretend you're holding a warm cup of our artisanal, ethically sourced, hand-crafted bean juice," a chipper barista told a twitching customer. "That'll be $5.99 for the mental experience." Social media platforms have been inundated with posts from influencers struggling to create content without their usual array of sponsored products. "How am I supposed to influence without things to influence with?" wailed TikTok star @BuyMyLife in a tearful video that somehow still managed to last exactly 15 seconds. As the day progresses, a small but growing number of citizens have reported a strange sensation of "inner peace" and "contentment" after several hours without spending. However, these individuals are being closely monitored by concerned family members and marketing executives. "We're cautiously optimistic that most Americans will make a full recovery once spending capabilities are restored," said Dr. Shoppy McBuysalot, head of the newly formed Department of Consumer Rehabilitation. "However, we recommend easing back into normal spending habits gradually, starting with small purchases like cars or vacation homes." As the nation counts down the hours until they can once again freely part with their hard-earned cash, President McDollars hailed the initiative as a resounding success.