Remember when Amazon was just a place to buy books? Yeah, same — except now, it basically runs the world. From packages at your door in one day to streaming shows and running cloud services, Amazon is more than a store — it’s a beast. And teens might be using it more than they realize.
Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage back in the ‘90s, selling books online. Fast forward to today, and Amazon sells everything from toilet paper to gaming PCs. It’s like a digital mall where every store works for one giant boss. You want a phone charger at 11 p.m.? Amazon’s got it — and can probably get it to you by tomorrow.
What makes Amazon so powerful is convenience. It remembers what you ordered, suggests what you might want next, and handles payment with one click. Add in fast shipping (especially with Prime), and you barely have time to second-guess your purchase. It’s the king of “impulse buys.”
But Amazon isn’t just selling stuff. It owns Amazon Web Services (AWS) — a tech platform that powers websites, apps, and streaming services you use every day. Netflix, Twitch, even school apps? Some of them run on Amazon’s cloud. So even if you’re not shopping, you’re probably still using Amazon without realizing it.
It also bought companies like Whole Foods (yes, the grocery store), Ring (those video doorbells), and even started making its own electronics like Alexa and Kindle. Every time you use one of those, Amazon gets more data — which helps them sell you even more stuff. It’s like a business infinity loop.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Amazon’s size raises questions. Small businesses say it’s hard to compete with their low prices and fast shipping. Workers have also spoken out about warehouse conditions and pay. While Amazon creates tons of jobs, it’s also being watched closely by lawmakers and activists.
Teens should care about this because it shows how one company can shape the economy, tech, and even culture. Whether you’re buying sneakers, streaming The Boys, or just using Discord (which could run on AWS), Amazon’s behind the curtain. That kind of reach is powerful — and a little wild.
So yeah, Amazon might’ve started as “just a bookstore,” but now it’s basically the boss level of business. The question for the future? Can anyone stop it — or will Amazon keep eating everything in sight?
