I definitely figured it out a long time ago, but other people sure haven't. Back when there was maybe 3 of them max in a store, I actually liked them a lot. They were a great way to skip the checkout line when you were one of the few who wasn't afraid to use them. With them having almost entirely replaced traditional cashiers in some stores now though, it forces everyone to use them. Checkout is taking longer than ever as people who aren't comfortable with the system are forced to fumble through the process of ringing-up and bagging a cart-full of groceries. It usually ends with the one or two cashiers stuck supervising the self checkouts desperately trying to help everyone scan their stuff at once instead of being able to focus on one customer at a time, slowing the whole process down.

Certain stores near me seem to have thought the solution to this slowdown was to bust open a second exit in the storefront so they could add even more self checkouts. Then they had to go and hire a squad of new security guards to patrol for shoplifters because the new renovation made it impossible for the few cashiers that remained to supervise the hoard of people checking out all at once.

They used to be very convenient, but now I'm watched while I shop, and I don't like it.

I’m with you. Unless I have a full shopping cart, I use self checkout.

Honestly I love self checkouts when I'm only grabbing a handful of things.

The issue is that a lot of theft occurs with self checkout, as people are checking out 2-3 things but secretly standing away a pile of things and walking out of the door.

Self checkout at this WinCo led to multiple security guards stopping people from exiting until they can review your order.

Not at the three I go to out west. I'm guessing you're east of the river?