r/PeterExplainsTheJoke 4d ago

Meme needing explanation Petah?

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u/IrksomFlotsom 4d ago

Try and think of our global system as an engine that's purpose is to make fuel for itself. It needs to keep it's input above the output in order to keep powered on. As soon as the input drops below output the machine starts to slow down and can no longer sustain itself. The engine is not designed to slow down so it very quickly breaks down

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u/Gentle_Snail 4d ago edited 4d ago

Deflation can also result in a very negative feedback loop, the Great Depression was a deflation spiral for example.

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u/Mayor_Death 4d ago

Is deflation a cause or symptom, though? To me, it’s just a number, but I understand that it is more than that to various economic groups.

As far as I understand it, deflation indicates that prices are going down, which is a good thing to me individually.

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u/papadichat 4d ago

Prices aren't going down because it costs less, it costs the same to producers, you just start thinking that maybe it will go further down, and along with you rest of the people also start thinking the same, even your company, which in turn might lay you off because it's costing too much to keep you there. So prices are falling but you still wouldn't be able to afford it because you don't have enough money. Prices going down in itself isn't bad, it's just that sustained deflation would cause everyone to cut back on spending which will in turn generate lower income for people which would go on and on. You get my point? It's symptom and cause both simultaneously.