Ever wonder whether your life has been taken over by Online Shopping?
Have you unconsciously become an addict?
Before reading this, you must think that I’m crazy, but it’s REAL. You might think that drugs and alcohol are the only major addictions that need to be fixed; however, there’s a real threat with Online Shopping. For example, when you’re just stressed and want to release some of it by shopping. The easiest way to do that is online, where everything is just a click away. But there’s a moment where it’s just too much. You go from releasing stress to make yourself happy, to harming the relationships you have with the people around you so that you can stay online longer to buy the latest products.
People have a hard time believing it to be true as there is no physical harm to the body but only ones state of mind. However, the problem is still present and it isn’t known to people that use the internet regularly. it is only present when reading articles such as Psychology Today, where 10 sign of compulsive online shopping are given. This article explains that a person is addicted when:
- They can’t stop themselves from buying things
- Their family and friends are concerned about their online shopping habits that is affecting their relationships
- They are feeling guilty about their bad habit and that they have to hide it from others
- They end up buying things that they never planned on buying and can’t afford.
Other websites, such as, Psychguides.com explains that Shopaholics are prone to spend more than they can even afford. As a way to relieve stress or to feel better better, people tend to shop when they feel down. Everything is a cycle; they shop so that they feel less guilty about their previous shopping spree. Shopaholics as a result, cause harm to their current relationships with the people around them because of the amount they spend and buy. All this leads to them losing control over their shopping behaviour.
People that have Oniomania are said to feel guilty about their purchases and hide the fact that they’re addicted; however, they are not the only people in danger. People that aren’t addicted, are now more prone to shopping because of easier access to products through the Internet. A sociologist, Donald Black said that most shopaholics love the experience of shopping: going to the store, touching the fabrics, the smell and feel of it, the whole experience, which is why they are less likely to do so online; however, it still opens doors to people for shopping. It is undeniable that the amount of people that do online shopping is immensely increasing.
Before reading this, have you ever questioned whether you or someone around is addicted? I hope this helped clear up some things. Please feel free to comment, or correct me in regards to this subject. This is all about learning from each other, so I hope we learn from each other.
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