Is new technology fueling rises in Shopping Addiction?
Published:
Dec 27, 2024
,
09:46 a.m.
ET
Shopping is enjoyable for most people. However, it can become addicting, especially when technology is involved. This pleasurable activity can trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine. This causes an individual to get positive feelings back with repeat purchases.
Most people get a rush from the holiday sales. However, according to Barron's, consumer spending rose after the pandemic. Shopping is more convenient now that Amazon, TikTok, and other platforms command your attention.
Social media apps and online retailers make receiving an item easier in days with a few clicks. Meanwhile, influencers show their shopping hauls, encouraging followers to do the same. Over 50 million people watched shopping hauls in 2014, skyrocketing over the last decade, according to The Cut.
Since the advent of TikTok, most self-proclaimed shopping addicts have shared their struggles with overbuying and overconsumption. This engaging and enjoyable activity now poses a serious risk. This guide will explore shopping addiction in depth.
Is Shopping Addiction real? Can it be diagnosed?
Yes, shopping addiction is a real and treatable condition. It’s often referred to by its name as compulsive buying disorder (CSD), according to World of Psychiatry. This behavioral addiction is categorized by compulsive and obsessive shopping habits that lead to emotional and mental distress. It can also negatively impact an individual’s career, finances, and relationships.
Compulsive buying disorder has affected close to 6% of the American population. But it didn’t make the list on the DSM-5. That doesn’t mean this mental health condition can’t be treated. It’s treated the same way as other behavioral disorders.
Ways that modern technology can lead to compulsive shopping
Technology keeps us connected. It also allows us to shop any time of the day or night. According to The Wall Street Journal, modern technology has contributed to compulsive shopping in the following ways:
1) Social Media Influencers
Influencers collaborate with brands to promote products on social media. They inform their followers of the latest trends. Most of them have a carefully curated lifestyle that’s not as real as it seems.
SELF Magazine reports that this can lead to a comparison trap. Individuals might end up comparing themselves to others, leading to low self-esteem. It also gets individuals to focus on what they don’t have instead of what they do have in their lives, which could lead to them buying things they don’t need.
2) Targeted Ads
Some online retailers use algorithms and cookies to create highly targeted ads. The ads are based on the users’ browsing history, past purchases, and search inquiries. This is why you might see ads for a product you researched a few days ago. This sneaky tactic creates a sense of temptation, which leads to impulsive spending.
3) Instant Gratification
Online retailers like Walmart and Amazon offer two-day shipping, which provides instant gratification. Consumers can get anything they want within a few days.
Online shopping platforms and apps also make it easy to purchase within seconds. They’ve added new features such as “Buy Now” or “One-Click Purchase.” Some online retailers also save payment details, encouraging impulsive buying and quick decision-making.
4) Psychological Triggers
Retailers have always used psychological triggers for their sales and purchases. This encourages shoppers to buy as soon as possible. Some of those psychological triggers have trickled into online shopping.
Some examples include countdown timers, flash sales, and reward cards. These create a sense of urgency and give individuals the fear of missing out (FOMO). These techniques might push some individuals to make impulsive purchases.
Treatment Options for Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction can be hard to treat. Shopping is part of everyone’s daily life. It’s not as simple as quitting. Fortunately, help is possible.
Shopping addiction treatment options include a combination of therapy, financial counseling, and support groups. Depending on the severity of the addiction, some individuals might struggle with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, or mood disorders. A doctor might provide an official diagnosis and prescription medication.
According to Addiction Help, psychotherapy is the most common form of treatment for behavioral addictions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with shopping addiction since it can identify the behaviors and thought patterns that trigger this condition.
Family therapy is also available for those whose shopping addiction has affected their loved ones. Since shopping addiction is tied to financial problems, financial counseling might be available. This alternative helps individuals create a budget and makes it harder to spend their money.
Support groups offer encouragement and accountability. The two most common support groups for shopping addicts are Shoppers Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous. Your doctor can also help you find local support groups.
Birches Health offers virtual treatment for shopping addiction. This comprehensive treatment includes most of the above mentioned therapies, except financial counseling. Treatment starts with an official diagnosis with a licensed clinician. Moving forward, you’ll receive a personalized mental health plan for your shopping addiction.
Treatment for compulsive shopping can begin with one of the following steps with Birches:
You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
Signs of Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction can impact each individual differently. There’s no one cause for this addiction. It can also be hard to detect since shopping is a daily activity for most people.
It’s natural for most people to buy new things to keep up with their neighbors. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, there are some concerning behaviors you should look out for. You might find that shopping addiction takes up every aspect of your life.
Indicators of shopping addiction can include:
Shopping is the main hobby or activity. Shopping is the only activity you do with your friends and family members. If you don’t have any other hobbies or interests, shopping might take up much of your life.
Purchasing items you don’t need or use. It’s common to buy something that’s on sale. If your purchases still have the tags, you may not need them.
Constantly making returns or exchanges. You find yourself returning the items that you purchased the following week. Or, maybe you can make an exchange to chase those good feelings back.
Shopping as a means of escape. Going on shopping trips to escape negative emotions and feelings and or using “shopping therapy” when you feel anxious or depressed.
Out-of-control financial situation. Maxed out credit cards, unable to pay bills, or can’t control the number of packages at your door.
Buyer’s remorse. Feelings of guilt or shame after making a purchase.
Engaging in criminal or illegal activities. Stealing money, writing bounced checks, or shoplifting to support your compulsive shopping habit.
Overspending negatively impacts other parts of your life. Leaving your job early or skipping work to check out a sale. Or neglecting your sleep to shop online all night long.
