I disagree with the idea of getting rid of all traditional checkout stations and replacing them with self checkouts. There should be both stations so customers who dont mind the wait and like to chat with the employees can go to the traditional checkout station, while the ones who are in a rush and can go to a self checkout system.
The self checkout has a positive impact on society because it is more efficient than regular checkout stations. Many shoppers prefer to use self checkout machines rather than waiting in line to have someone check out their items for them. They are great for shoppers who want to quickly purchase their items and who dont have time to interact with the employees. Self checkouts have a positive impact on society because they take up less space. Six self checkout machines can take up the same amount of space as the traditional checkout area. This is helpful for stores with very little space and that has many customers because it will make the area feel less caved in. Self checkouts decrease the amount of employees you have to pay. It is expensive to pay for the cashiers salaries, however a self checkout machine can decrease the amount of employees you need, which decreases the number of salaries you have to pay for. When there is slow business and the cashiers aren't doing very much, they still get paid by the hour which means you wont really be paying for the amount of work they did. Its a waste of money, and self checkouts can save you from paying your employees for work they didn't do. .
Self checkout machines have a negative impact on society by creating a risk for theft. In some cases, shoppers will replace the tags of inexpensive products onto expensive products so they don't pay the real price. Sometimes, employees don't pay attentions to the self checkout stations and it makes it easy for shoplifters to get away with theft. Self checkouts are inefficient if you don't know how to use one.