Why Is Social Media Urging People Not to Buy Anything for 24 Hours Friday?

The Rise of the February 28th Economic Blackout: A Call to Action Against Corporate Greed

In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with messages urging people to refrain from buying anything on Friday, February 28th. This is not just a spontaneous outburst of frustration from individuals fed up with rising prices and corporate power—it is part of an organized movement. The campaign, known as the "24-hour economic blackout," calls on consumers to abstain from all non-essential spending, both online and offline, for the entirety of the day. The goal? To send a powerful message to corporations and policymakers about the growing dissatisfaction with economic inequality and corporate greed.

Who’s Behind This Movement? Meet the People’s Union USA

The brains behind this campaign is John Schwarz, the founder of The People’s Union USA, a nonpartisan organization advocating for economic justice and systemic change. Schwarz, who recently spoke to USA Today, believes that people are at a breaking point. He argues that for too long, corporations have exploited consumers, raising prices exorbitantly while enjoying tax breaks and amassing unprecedented wealth. In a February 18 Instagram video, Schwarz laid out the vision for the movement, saying, “This is about saying no to corporate greed, no to billionaire tax breaks, and no to a system that makes us struggle to survive while they thrive.”

The People’s Union USA has expanded its efforts beyond the February 28th blackout. It has announced a series of targeted boycotts against major corporations, including Amazon (March 7-14), Nestle (March 21-28), Walmart (April 7-14), and a second one-day economic blackout on April 18. The organization’s website emphasizes its nonpartisan stance, stating, “We are not Democrat, Republican, Independent, or any other party. We fight for fairness, economic justice, and real systemic change.” Schwarz’s movement is gaining traction, but he has yet to respond to requests for further comment.

Celebrities Are Joining the Cause: Can Their Influence Make a Difference?

The February 28th boycott has attracted the attention of high-profile figures, including best-selling author Stephen King and actress Bette Midler. King took to BlueSky (a social media platform) to express his support, tying the movement to broader dissatisfaction with former President Donald Trump. He wrote, “Voted for Trump, now have buyer’s remorse? The Trump philosophy seems to be his version of FAFO [f— around and find out]. Don’t buy anything on the 28th unless you absolutely have to.” King’s post suggests that the movement resonates with those critical of Trump’s policies, but the People’s Union USA has clarified that the boycott is not specifically anti-Trump or anti-Elon Musk. As stated in its FAQ, “This movement is not about one person. It is about the system as a whole. Both political parties, both past and current leaders.”

Bette Midler also voiced her support for the boycott on BlueSky, urging her followers to “freeze your spending on Feb 28th…. Don’t shop! And if you have to, please turn to a local small business!” Herpost underscores the importance of supporting small businesses and reducing reliance on corporations. The involvement of celebrities like King and Midler has helped amplify the movement’s message, drawing attention from a wider audience and adding credibility to the cause.

Can a 24-Hour Boycott Really Make a Difference?

The success of such protests hinges on their ability to create meaningful change. Historically, boycotts have proven effective when they are well-organized, clearly defined, and sustained over time. Zachary Crockett, host of The Economics of Everyday Things podcast, offers a nuanced perspective. He acknowledges that collective action can pressure corporations and policymakers but cautions that a single 24-hour boycott may not have a significant impact. “Boycotts are most effective when they are sustained and strategically target key points in a corporation’s supply chain or sales channels,” he explains.

Crockett also points out that the concentration of wealth in the U.S. poses a challenge for such movements. A small percentage of individuals own an enormous share of the country’s wealth and assets, making it easier for corporations to absorb the economic impact of a short-term boycott. Additionally, he notes that participants in boycotts often bear the costs themselves, which can limit their sustainability. “Consumers generally have less runway than corporations do when it comes to making sustained economic sacrifices,” he says. For Crockett, a frugal lifestyle is the norm, so the idea of an economic blackout is nothing new. “I’m not a fan of spending money in general,” he admits. “For me, every day is kind of an economic blackout.”

Why February 28th? The Strategy Behind the 24-Hour Economic Blackout

So, why February 28th? The date seems strategic, chosen to maximize participation and awareness. By limiting the boycott to a single day, the organizers aim to make it easier for people to join without requiring long-term commitments. The short timeframe also helps generate buzz and media attention, which are crucial for spreading the movement’s message. The fact that the date falls on a Friday could also be strategic, as it coincides with the end of the workweek when people are more likely to be planning their weekend purchases.

Moreover, the 24-hour blackout serves as a symbolic gesture—a collective act of defiance against a system that prioritizes corporate profits over people. By abstaining from spending, participants are not only depriving corporations of revenue but also sending a powerful message about their willingness to challenge the status quo. The movement’s expansion to include targeted boycotts of specific companies reflects a broader strategy to exert pressure on corporations and hold them accountable for their practices.

The Broader Fight Against Corporate Greed: What’s Next?

The February 28th economic blackout is more than just a one-day protest—it is part of a growing movement to address systemic economic inequality and corporate greed. The People’s Union USA and its supporters are calling for systemic change, urging policymakers to take action on issues like unfair tax breaks for billionaires, unchecked corporate power, and the rising cost of living. By mobilizing consumers and amplifying their voices, the movement aims to create a collective force that cannot be ignored.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The concentration of wealth, the limited impact of short-term boycotts, and the difficulties of sustained participation all pose obstacles. Nevertheless, the momentum generated by the February 28th blackout and the support of high-profile figures suggest that this movement has the potential to spark meaningful conversations and inspire further action. For many, the boycott is not just about refusing to spend money for a day—it is about reclaiming power as consumers and demanding a fairer economic system for all. Whether you choose to participate or not, this movement is a reminder that collective action can be a powerful tool for change.