The sentiment that TikTok's "Amazon Must-Haves" are unnecessary and even outrageous is a common and well-documented criticism of a major trend on the platform. This viewpoint is often expressed in "de-influencing" videos and commentary that critiques the culture of overconsumption fueled by influencer marketing.

Here's a breakdown of the key reasons why people find these videos problematic:

1. Overconsumption and Wasted Money
The central critique is that these videos promote excessive and often thoughtless consumerism. Many of the "must-have" gadgets and products are not essential but are presented as clever or life-changing. Critics argue that influencers, driven by commissions from Amazon's affiliate program, encourage their followers to buy things they don't actually need, leading to a home full of useless gadgets and a drain on their finances. This ties into the broader de-influencing trend, where creators encourage viewers to think critically about their purchases and focus on buying only what they genuinely need.

2. Misleading or Inauthentic Recommendations
A significant ethical concern is the lack of genuine product endorsements. While creators are legally required to disclose their paid partnerships, the tone of many "Amazon Must-Haves" videos is often that of an enthusiastic, un-sponsored recommendation. This can be misleading to viewers, who may not realize the creator is earning a commission for every sale. The authenticity of the content is questioned when it seems creators are simply hyping up products to cash in on affiliate links, regardless of the product's actual quality or utility.

3. Promoting Low-Quality Products
Many of the items featured in these videos are inexpensive, mass-produced gadgets that can be of questionable quality. Reviewers on YouTube and other platforms often create "debunking" videos where they purchase and test the "viral" Amazon products, only to find they are poorly made, don't work as advertised, or are simply not worth the price. This further erodes trust in the influencer and contributes to the idea that these "must-haves" are a waste of money.

4. The Influence of the Creator Economy
This trend highlights a larger ethical debate within the creator economy. While influencer marketing can be a legitimate way for creators to earn a living, the pressure to constantly produce content and promote products can lead to a focus on quantity over quality and honesty. This can lead to creators pushing products simply because they are easy to monetize, rather than because they genuinely believe in them.

In short, the criticism of "Amazon Must-Haves" is a reaction against what many see as a deceptive and wasteful trend. The content is widely viewed as a prime example of how the pursuit of affiliate commissions can overshadow genuine value and contribute to a culture of unnecessary purchases.