eBay Addiction: Online Auctions can be Dangerous, Addictive
Author:
Published:
Jan 16, 2025
,
02:57 p.m.
ET
Key Points
eBay is the second most visited shopping website for U.S. buyers
Online shopping, especially auctions, can cause endorphin spikes
eBay bidding can become an addictive cycle
Treatment for eBay addiction can be similar to care for gambling addiction
When asked what the most popular online auction site is, eBay is one of the first names the majority of Americans would mention. Since launching, eBay has become one of the most popular online ecommerce bidding sites that allow buyers access to desired merchandise and sellers a place to make money off of their unwanted items. While this exchange seems mutually beneficial, there are risks of this simple activity becoming a dangerous addiction. Knowing the signs of eBay addiction and what resources are available for those who need help are important steps in deterring a potential problem.
What is eBay? Do people still use it nowadays?
eBay is one of the first online marketplaces created where individuals can buy and sell various products or services to other buyers. eBay launched in 1995 and was the world's largest ecommerce site by 2001. eBay started off being a website that sold hard-to-find merchandise, collectibles and other unique items. eBay has since expanded to sell any and everything you can imagine.
eBay has a large global reach and is widely known, giving people from all over the world opportunities to connect and buy from one another. Although eBay only holds 3% of all ecommerce market share as of 2023, its revenue stream has remained solid over the years. eBay’s customer base peaked in 2018 with 175 Million users but has been on a steady decline since, with 133 Million active buyers in 2024.
Can people really get addicted to eBay?
Activities that cause a spike in endorphins and encourage continued use may increase the risk of becoming addicted to it. Endorphins impact the reward center of our brains, which may cause strong cravings for these activities. People who use eBay have described the “high” they get while bidding on and winning items.
This brain response and compulsion to continue bidding can make it very difficult to stop using online ecommerce sites that involve bidding. Psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young explains that eBay addiction is a very real issue and that when clients seek out help, they are oftentimes dealing with marital, financial and career troubles.
What features make eBay addictive?
eBay has certain features that may increase someone's likelihood of becoming addicted to it. The fast-paced nature of placing competing bids can keep people engaged in compulsive bidding. Online shopping platforms like eBay also provide a sense of anonymity that allows people to hide their shopping compulsions from others as well.
Nowadays, eBay utilizes a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option that lets people purchase items without having to foot the bill until a later date. This can become problematic for buyers who are buying items they cannot afford and also buying more than they intend to.
However, eBay does not have some of the same dangerous features as the modern WhatNot livestreamed auctions platform like 5-second auctions and sudden-death formats. WhatNot can be highly addictive due to multiple features that can lead to irresponsible bidding behaviors.
Signs of eBay addiction
There are multiple factors that may impact someone's likelihood of developing an addiction to eBay. Those with low self-esteem, poor emotional state, cognitive overload are all at a higher risk of developing compulsive shopping. Other signs that indicate an individual may be addicted to eBay include:
Uncontrolled purchasing on eBay
Guilt or shame around frequency of eBay use
eBay use negatively impacts mood
Forgoing responsibilities in favor of bidding on items
Preoccupation with thoughts of eBay bidding or selling
Financial stress due to eBay purchases
Lying about or hiding eBay purchases from loved ones
Using eBay to avoid feeling negative emotions
eBay addiction support and care options
Depending on the level of someone's addiction to eBay and compulsion for online shopping and bidding, a variety of treatment options may be necessary. eBay addiction treatment uses similar tactics as treatment for gambling addiction and other compulsive behaviors. Treatment for online auction addiction may involve individual therapy, group sessions or self-help groups. A therapist trained in treating compulsive disorders can work with an individual to understand why certain triggers impact their behavior and how to develop better coping skills to manage negative emotions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with eBay addiction, Birches Health offers the following ways to get started:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
