About etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell handmade, vintage, and unique items.

Addiction to etsy, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes etsy addiction?

No, Etsy addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “etsy addiction”?

Etsy addiction is an informal term used to describe an individual’s compulsive use of the online marketplace Etsy. It is characterized by a person’s inability to stop browsing, shopping, and/or selling items on the site, often leading to financial and/or time management problems. People who experience Etsy addiction may find themselves spending large amounts of time and money on the site and feeling an urge to shop for items even when they don’t need them.

What is considered etsy addiction?

• 1. Spending significant amounts of money on Etsy purchases that are not necessary or budgeted for.
• 2. Feeling an intense urge to make more and more purchases on Etsy.
• 3. Feeling a need to keep up with the latest trends and items on Etsy.
• 4. Spending an excessive amount of time browsing items on Etsy.
• 5. Feeling preoccupied with thoughts of Etsy items and purchases.
• 6. Spending more time on Etsy than engaging in activities with friends and family.
• 7. Having difficulty controlling the amount of time or money spent on Etsy.
• 8. Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to access Etsy.
• 9. Neglecting important responsibilities due to excessive time spent on Etsy.
• 10. Making excuses to justify and rationalize spending on Etsy.

How much etsy is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone’s time management needs and preferences are different. However, it is important to remember to take regular breaks, to set reasonable limits for yourself, and to prioritize other activities in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Some Online shopping addiction facts & statistics

We can provide you with some statistics related to online shopping addiction:

• 1. According to a study by CouponFollow, 57% of online shoppers admit to making a purchase they regretteddue to compulsive shopping behavior.
• 2. A survey conducted by Finder.com found that 23% of Americans have made a purchase they regretted while under the influence of alcohol, highlighting how impulsive online shopping can be.
• 3. A study by Harris Poll found that 81% of Americans have made an online purchase in the past year, and 20% of those shoppers made purchases at least once a week.
• 4. According to a survey by Statista, 42% of online shoppers in the US reported spending more moneyonline than they had intended.
• 5. A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that online shopping addiction affects approximately 5.5% of the US population.

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Is the etsy addiction widespread?

It is known that Etsy has a significant user base and is a popular platform for buying and selling unique handmade or vintage items. While some people may spend a lot of time browsing and buying on Etsy, it is important to note that addiction is a serious issue that can have negative consequences on a person’s life. It is always best to use any platform, including Etsy, in moderation and seek help if addiction becomes a problem.

Why is etsy so addictive?

Etsy is so addictive because it offers customers a unique shopping experience. With a large selection of unique items from independent sellers, you can find something special and unique that you won’t find anywhere else. Etsy also encourages users to leave reviews and ratings for sellers and products, which can help customers make informed decisions about their purchases. Furthermore, Etsy encourages customers to connect with sellers through their messaging system, which can add a personal touch to the shopping experience.

Possible causes of etsy dependency

1. Unique and interesting products: Etsy offers a wide variety of unique, handmade, and vintage items that can be hard to find elsewhere. This variety of products can be incredibly appealing to shoppers, resulting in an addictive shopping experience.

2. Low-cost items: Etsy offers a wide selection of items at low prices, making it easier for shoppers to purchase items that they wouldn’t normally be able to afford. This can lead to an addictive shopping experience as shoppers are able to purchase more items for less money.

3. Convenience of online shopping: Shopping online on Etsy is incredibly convenient, allowing shoppers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own home. This convenience can also be addictive as shoppers are able to quickly purchase items with just a few clicks.

4. Social media presence: Etsy has a strong presence on social media, which can be appealing to shoppers. This presence allows shoppers to stay up to date on the latest trends, new products, and promotions, which can lead to an addictive shopping experience.

5. Positive reviews and feedback: Etsy’s positive reviews and feedback system can be incredibly reassuring to shoppers, giving them the confidence to purchase items without fear of disappointment. This can be addictive as shoppers are more likely to purchase items if they know they will receive positive reviews and feedback.

Signs & Symptoms of etsy addiction

Now let’s see if you have the etsy addiction problem.

• 1. You’ve simply lost count of how many Etsy stores you’ve bookmarked.
• 2. You have a separate budget for Etsy purchases.
• 3. You’re always on the lookout for new Etsy stores or unique items.
• 4. You can’t help but check out Etsy every time you’re online.
• 5. Your favorite section of a store is the “Handmade” section.
• 6. You get excited when you find a seller who will customize items for you.
• 7. You have a list of items you’d like to make or buy from Etsy.

What are some benefits of etsy

• 1. Low Fees: Etsy is known for having some of the lowest seller fees in the industry, which makes it an attractive option for those looking to start their own businesses.
• 2. Easy Set Up: Setting up an Etsy shop is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any complicated coding knowledge. You can have your shop up and running in no time.
• 3. Low Risk: Etsy allows you to open a shop without investing large amounts of money, so it’s a low risk option for those looking to test out their business ideas.
• 4. Great Platform: Etsy has a well-designed interface that makes it easy to create a well-organized shop page. It also has helpful features, such as the ability to track orders, that make it easier to manage your business.
• 5. Exposure: Etsy has a large customer base and a strong online presence, so it’s a great way to get your products in front of potential customers.
• 6. Community: Etsy has a strong community of buyers and sellers, so it’s easy to get help and advice when starting out.
• 7. Variety: Etsy offers a wide range of products, from handmade items to vintage pieces. This means you can find a great selection of items to help you build your shop.

But at the opposite, what can be some etsy addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

• 1. Increased Stress: Etsy can be a great way to make money, but it can also be stressful. There is a lot of competition on the platform, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd.

  Additionally, managing an Etsy shop requires a lot of time and effort, which can lead to increased stress levels.

• 2. Reduced Social Interaction: Selling on Etsy often requires a lot of time spent alone at a computer. This can lead to reduced social interaction, which can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
• 3. Poor Posture: Sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time can lead to poor posture, which can have a negative impact on physical health.
• 4. Poor Diet: When people are busy running their Etsy shops, they may not take the time to make healthy meals. This can lead to poor diet, which can have a negative impact on health.

etsy and sleep disorder

Excessive use of electronic devices, including scrolling through Etsy for extended periods before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and may lead to sleep problems. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. It is also essential to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep. If you are experiencing sleep problems or disorders, it is best to consult a medical professional.

etsy affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of etsy on your brain

1. Overwhelm: With so many items and options to browse through on Etsy, it can be overwhelming for your brain to take in all the information. This can lead to sensory overload and even anxiety.

2. Impulsive Shopping: Being able to purchase items with just a few clicks can lead to impulse shopping. This can lead to overspending and regret.

3. Lack of Product Knowledge: It can be difficult to research the quality and materials used in products on Etsy, meaning you may be buying something that won’t last or meet your expectations.

Some effects of etsy on your mental health

• 1. Comparison: With the large selection of products and sellers on Etsy, you may find yourself constantly comparing yourself to other sellers and feeling like you don’t measure up.
• 2. Stress: Selling on Etsy can be stressful because you are in competition with other sellers and have to worry about customer satisfaction, shipping, and marketing your product.
• 3. Overwhelm: With all the tasks associated with selling on Etsy, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
• 4. Isolation: Working from home can be isolating, and this sense of isolation may be amplified if you’re relying on Etsy as your sole source of income.
• 5. Negative Feedback: Negative customer feedback can cause anxiety and depression and could make you question your product or your business.

Does etsy cause stress and anxiety?

Etsy itself is a platform for buying and selling handmade and vintage items, and it’s unlikely to cause stress or anxiety. However, if you are a seller on Etsy, the pressure to maintain good ratings, keep up with orders, and manage customer interactions can potentially cause stress and anxiety.

Additionally, if you are a buyer, the pressure to find the perfect item and ensure a smooth transaction can also lead to stress or anxiety. Overall, while Etsy itself is not inherently stressful or anxiety-inducing, the individual’s experience with the platform can vary.

Can etsy addiction lead to sadness and depression?

It is possible for an addiction to Etsy or any other online shopping platform to lead to feelings of sadness and depression. This is because excessive spending can lead to financial difficulties and stress, which can contribute to negative emotions.

Additionally, spending excessive amounts of time browsing and buying items online can lead to a lack of real-world social interaction and a sense of isolation. It is important to maintain a healthy balance and limit the amount of time and money spent on online shopping to avoid negative consequences.

Dopamine and etsy

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward and motivation. It is released in response to pleasurable experiences, such as completing a task or achieving a goal. Etsy, as an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, can provide a platform for sellers to experience dopamine release through the satisfaction of completing a sale or receiving positive feedback from a customer.

Additionally, buyers may experience dopamine release from the excitement of discovering unique and desirable items on the platform. However, it is important to note that the link between dopamine and Etsy is complex and can vary depending on individual experiences and motivations.

etsy effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Here are some potential ways that using Etsy could affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance:

– Distraction: Using Etsy could be a potential distraction if a person spends too much time browsing or searching for items instead of focusing on their tasks. This could lead to lower productivity and attention span.

– Motivation: On the other hand, using Etsy to reward oneself after completing a task could be a motivating factor for some people, leading to increased productivity and focus.

– Financial stress: If a person spends too much money on Etsy purchases, it could lead to financial stress and affect their academic performance.

– Time management: Using Etsy could potentially affect time management skills if a person spends too much time on the platform and neglects their other responsibilities.

Overall, the impact of using Etsy on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance would depend on individual factors such as self-control, time management skills, and financial situation.

A word about ADHD and etsy

There is no definitive answer to this question as it ultimately depends on the individual with ADHD and their personal experiences and tendencies. However, it is possible that individuals with ADHD may interact with Etsy differently than those without ADHD due to their unique cognitive and behavioral characteristics.

For example, individuals with ADHD may be more prone to impulsivity and distractibility, which could lead to more frequent and impulsive purchases on Etsy. On the other hand, individuals with ADHD may also be more creative and open-minded, which could make them more likely to appreciate and seek out unique and unconventional items on the platform.

Overall, while there may be some differences in how individuals with ADHD interact with Etsy compared to those without ADHD, it is important to recognize that everyone’s experience with the platform will be unique and influenced by a variety of factors.

affecting your relationships

etsy and self-esteem

Etsy can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. On the one hand, it can provide a platform for individuals to showcase their creativity and receive positive feedback and validation from customers. This can boost self-esteem and confidence in one’s abilities.

On the other hand, it can also lead to self-doubt and comparison with other sellers who may be more successful or have more sales. This can negatively impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure.

Additionally, if sales are slow or customers leave negative reviews, it can also impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of rejection or failure. Overall, the impact of Etsy on self-esteem will vary depending on individual experiences and perceptions.

etsy addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

It is possible for Etsy addiction to lead to isolation and loneliness. If someone spends a significant amount of time on the platform, they may start to prioritize it over socializing with friends and family. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others.

Additionally, if someone becomes too focused on buying and collecting items on Etsy, they may start to isolate themselves from others who do not share the same interests. This can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

However, it is important to note that not everyone who uses Etsy will experience these negative effects. It ultimately depends on the individual’s relationship with the platform and how they prioritize their time and relationships.

Effects of etsy on your relationship

Positive effects:

• 1. Creative outlet: Etsy can provide a creative outlet for individuals, which can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment in their personal lives.
• 2. Shared interests: Couples who share an interest in crafting, vintage items, or unique handmade goods can bond over their shared passion and enjoy exploring the platform together.
• 3. Supportive community: Etsy has a supportive community of sellers and buyers, which can help individuals feel connected to others who share their interests.
• 4. Gift giving: Etsy offers a variety of unique and personalized gifts, which can make gift-giving more thoughtful and meaningful between couples.

Negative effects:

• 1. Time-consuming: Spending too much time browsing Etsy or managing an Etsy shop can take away from quality time with a partner.
• 2. Financial strain: Purchasing items on Etsy or investing in an Etsy shop can strain a couple’s finances if not managed carefully.
• 3. Comparison trap: Constantly comparing oneself to other successful Etsy sellers can lead to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, which can negatively impact a relationship.
• 4. Stressful: Running an Etsy shop can be stressful and time-consuming, which can lead to increased stress and tension in a relationship if not managed properly.

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Finally you think you are addicted to etsy and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for etsy?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your etsy addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the etsy addiction

• 1. Acknowledge the Problem: Recognize that you have an Etsy addiction and that it has become a problem in your life.
• 2. Identify Triggers: Identify what triggers your Etsy addiction and try to avoid them.
• 3. Set Goals: Set goals to reduce your Etsy use, such as limiting yourself to a certain amount of time on the site each day.
• 4. Find Alternatives: Find activities that you can do instead of Etsy browsing, such as reading a book or going for a walk.
• 5. Seek Support: Reach out to friends and family for support, or join an online support group such as Etsy Anonymous.
• 6. Get Professional Help: If your Etsy addiction is severe, consider seeking professional help from a mental health professional.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including etsy:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of etsy

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your etsy accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge