Stop Shopping Online Addiction And Quit Properly

Welcome to our digital detoxing series! A series on how to stop addictions to Fortnite,Facebook,Instagram,porn,Netflix, Youtube,Tinder… Find all the posts about digital addiction. Today, let’s talk about how to quit the shopping online addiction.

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What is the shopping online addiction?

About shopping online

Shopping online is the process of buying goods and services over the Internet. It is the modern equivalent of shopping in a physical store, and can be done either through a website or through an online store.

Addiction to shopping online, 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 shopping online addiction?

There is no official diagnosis of “shopping addiction” in the DSM-5, the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, the DSM-5 does include a diagnosis of “binge-eating disorder”, which could be applied to excessive shopping behaviors in some cases.

So what means “shopping online addiction”?

There is no formal diagnosis of shopping online addiction, but it could be described as a compulsive urge to shop online despite the negative consequences it may have on one’s life. Many people who suffer from this addiction find themselves spending hours online shopping, even when they can’t afford it or don’t need the items they’re buying. They may lie to friends and family about how much they’re spending, or hide their online shopping from their loved ones. This addiction can lead to financial ruin, relationship problems, and a general feeling of unhappiness.

What is considered shopping online addiction?

  • 1. Preoccupation with online shopping:Constantly thinking about online shopping, planning future purchases, or scrolling through online shopping sites even when you are not planning to buy anything.
  • 2. Loss of control:Feeling unable to resist the urge to shop online, or feeling like you have to spend more time or money online than you intended.
  • 3. Negative consequences:Letting online shopping interfere with work, school, or personal relationships, or experiencing financial problems because of online shopping.
  • 4. Tolerance:Needing to shop online more frequently or for greater amounts of money to get the same satisfaction.
  • 5. Withdrawal:Feeling irritable, restless, or moody when you try to cut back on online shopping, or feeling the urge to shop online to relieve anxiety or stress.

How much shopping online is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it varies from person to person. Some people may spend hours online shopping without any negative consequences, while others may find that even a few minutes is too much. It is important to find a balance that works for you and to be mindful of how much time you are spending on shopping, as it can be easy to get caught up in the act and lose track of time. If you find that you are spending more time online shopping than you would like, it may be helpful to set a limit for yourself or to take breaks more often.

Some online shopping addiction facts & statistics

society not caring about digital addictions

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 shopping online addiction widespread?

With the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, many people find themselves spending excessive amounts of time and money on online purchases. Studies have shown that online shopping addiction can have negative effects on mental health, financial stability, and relationships. It is important to practice self-control and limit online shopping to avoid the potential negative consequences of addiction.

Symptoms, Causes and Signs of shopping online addiction

Why is shopping online so addictive?

There are many reasons why shopping online can be addictive. For one, it is convenient and easy to do. You can do it from anywhere, at any time, and you don’t have to leave your house to do it.

Additionally, online shopping can be very satisfying because you can find exactly what you’re looking for and have it delivered right to your door. Finally, many people find the act of shopping itself to be enjoyable, so the more they do it, the more they want to do it.

Possible causes of shopping online dependency

There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences shopping addiction differently. However, some possible causes of shopping addiction include a need for instant gratification, a desire to fit in or feel accepted, low self-esteem, and a lack of self-control. Some people may also be genetically predisposed to addiction and may find it difficult to resist the urge to shop.

Signs & Symptoms of shopping online addiction

Now let’s see if you have the shopping online addiction problem.
You spend more time shopping online than you do interacting with people in person. You would rather shop online than do just about anything else. You have been known to spend entire days shopping online. You get anxious when you can’t shop online. You have more items in your online shopping cart than you could possibly ever afford. You have been known to spend money you don’t have shopping online. You have hidden your online shopping habits from your significant other.

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Problems, impacts & bad effects of shopping online: should you quit?

digital addiction problems consequences

What are some benefits of shopping online

Some advantages of shopping online include:
-The ability to shop from the comfort of your own home
-The ability to compare prices easily
-The ability to buy items from around the world
-The ability to track your order history
-The ability to return items easily
-The ability to choose from a wider selection of itemsBut at the opposite, what can be some shopping online addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

There are a few potential health risks associated with shopping online. First, if you are using a public computer, there is a risk of identity theft. Second, if you make a purchase from an untrustworthy site, you may be at risk of credit card fraud. Finally, if you receive merchandise that is damaged or defective, you may be at risk of injury.

shopping online and sleep disorder

It is possible that shopping online can contribute to sleep disorders or problems. This is because online shopping can be addictive and lead to spending excessive amounts of time on electronic devices, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Additionally, the blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Furthermore, shopping online can also cause stress and anxiety, which can also interfere with sleep. It is important to establish healthy habits and set boundaries when it comes to online shopping to ensure that it does not negatively impact your sleep.

shopping online affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of shopping online on your brain

  • 1. Online shopping can lead to impulsive buying decisions.
  • 2. Online shopping can make you more likely to overspend.
  • 3. Online shopping can cause you to miss out on special sales and discounts.
  • 4. Online shopping can make it difficult to compare prices.
  • 5. Online shopping can lead to buyer’s remorse.

Some effects of shopping online on your mental health

  • 1. Online shopping can lead to feelings of depression.
  • 2. Online shopping can cause you to spend more money than you intended to.
  • 3. Online shopping can lead to feelings of anxiety.
  • 4. Online shopping can cause you to miss out on important social interactions.
  • 5. Online shopping can cause you to become addicted to the act of shopping itself.

Does shopping online cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, shopping online can cause stress or anxiety for some people. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as the fear of making a mistake in their purchase, concerns about the security of their personal information, or feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of options available online.

Additionally, some people may experience stress or anxiety related to waiting for their purchase to arrive or dealing with the return process if needed. However, it’s important to note that not everyone experiences stress or anxiety when shopping online and many find it to be a convenient and positive experience.

Can shopping online addiction lead to sadness and depression?

quit online shopping addiction meme

Yes, shopping online addiction can lead to sadness and depression. When a person becomes addicted to online shopping, they may start to feel a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction with their life outside of shopping. This can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression.

Additionally, if the person is spending beyond their means or accumulating debt, this can also contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety which can worsen depression. It is important for individuals who feel they may be struggling with online shopping addiction to seek help and support.

Dopamine and shopping online

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system. It is often associated with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. When we engage in activities that trigger the release of dopamine, we feel good and are more likely to repeat those activities in the future.

One activity that can trigger the release of dopamine is shopping online. When we browse online stores, add items to our cart, and make purchases, we receive small doses of dopamine that can make us feel good. This is because shopping online can activate the brain’s reward centers, just like other pleasurable activities such as eating or exercising.

However, excessive online shopping can also lead to addiction and other negative consequences. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and to practice responsible and healthy shopping habits.

shopping online effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Shopping online can potentially affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance. Here are some ways how:

  • 1. Distraction:Online shopping can be a significant source of distraction. While browsing online stores, people may be tempted to check social media or other websites, leading to a loss of focus and productivity.
  • 2. Time management:Shopping online can consume a considerable amount of time, which can lead to procrastination and a lack of time management. This can negatively impact academic performance and productivity.
  • 3. Financial stress:Online shopping can lead to overspending and financial stress, which can impact attention span and academic performance.
  • 4. Reduced physical activity:Online shopping can encourage a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to reduced physical activity and poor health. This can negatively impact academic performance.

In conclusion, while online shopping may be convenient, it is important to set boundaries and prioritize academic and professional responsibilities to maintain focus, productivity, and academic performance.

A word about ADHD and shopping online

People with ADHD may interact differently with shopping online compared to those without ADHD. Here are a few possible ways:

  • 1. Impulsive buying:People with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their impulses, which can lead to impulsive buying behavior. Shopping online can make it easier to make quick purchases without much thought, which can lead to overspending and regret later on.
  • 2. Hyperfocus on certain products:People with ADHD may become hyperfocused on certain products or categories of products, which can lead to hours of browsing and multiple purchases of similar items.
  • 3. Difficulty with decision-making: People with ADHD may struggle with decision-making, which can make it difficult to choose between different products online. This can lead to procrastination or avoidance of online shopping altogether.
  • 4. Distractibility:People with ADHD may be easily distracted by other websites or notifications while shopping online, which can make it harder to complete the shopping process.

Overall, the way people with ADHD interact with online shopping can vary depending on their individual symptoms and coping strategies.

affecting your relationships

shopping online and self-esteem

Shopping online can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. On one hand, the convenience and ease of online shopping can make individuals feel empowered and in control of their purchasing decisions. This can lead to a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.

On the other hand, online shopping can also have negative effects on self-esteem. The constant exposure to idealized images of products and people can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy. Comparison with others and the pressure to constantly update one’s wardrobe or possessions can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-worth.

Additionally, the anonymity of online shopping can lead to impulsive purchases and regret, which can further impact self-esteem. Overall, the impact of online shopping on self-esteem depends on individual factors and behaviors, as well as the nature of the shopping experience itself.

shopping online addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

quit online shopping addiction meme

Yes, shopping online addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When people become addicted to online shopping, they tend to spend a lot of time alone in front of their computers, browsing through products and making purchases. This can lead to a lack of social interaction and a decrease in face-to-face communication with others.

Additionally, the constant need to shop and buy things online can become a substitute for meaningful relationships and experiences, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others. Studies have shown that excessive online shopping can be linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Effects of shopping online on your relationship

Positive effects:

  • 1. Convenience:Shopping online can save time and energy, which can reduce stress and increase free time for couples to spend together.
  • 2. Increased communication:Couples can share their shopping experiences and opinions, which can lead to more communication and bonding.
  • 3. Cost savings:Shopping online often offers discounts, coupons, and free shipping, which can save couples money and reduce financial stress.

Negative effects:

  • 1. Isolation:Shopping online can lead to less face-to-face interaction and social isolation, which can negatively impact the relationship.
  • 2. Impulse purchases:Online shopping can lead to impulse purchases, which can strain the couple’s budget and cause conflicts.
  • 3. Lack of trust:Online shopping scams and identity theft can create mistrust and anxiety in the relationship.

How To Stop & quit Your shopping online Addiction

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the shopping online addiction

  • 1. Recognize that you have a problem.
  • 2. Set limits on your spending.
  • 3. Find an alternative activity to take up your time.
  • 4. Seek help from a professional if necessary.

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 shopping online:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of shopping online

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your shopping online 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

2. Spot & Reveal your emotional triggers

Second, there are some reasons, often hidden ones, that your brain and your heart love so much shopping online. Those reasons act as triggers to pull your cravings. Rather than chasing the addiction, it’s a more efficient strategy to look at the feelings driving you toward it. That way you can cure and heal the feeling. You’ll feel better and the cravings will magically disappear. Just get away.

3. Rewire to life

quit fomo of digital addiction

An addiction FOMO (fear of missing out) can be huge and really painful to resist, especially if it was here for a long time. However learning to live with it is necessary to build a life full of peace and joy. Strategies to fight FOMO and rewire to life include meditation, nature activities, social interaction, intellectual and creative projects, meaningful adventures… basically anything that fill your soul.

4. How to not relapse and fully recover from shopping online?

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that quitting may takes days, weeks, months or even years. Getting over and quitting shopping online forever can be difficult. You may relapse a few times, but the most important is that you keep engaging less and less with shopping online. Each day you resist to it is a day weakening your brain connections with shopping online. From your patience and discipline will arise incredible mind strength, hope and wisdom.

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Best shopping online blocker apps & functionalities

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Additionally, you can increase your chance of withdrawal by limiting or blocking access to shopping online using those apps.

They I’ll help you to filter, reduce or block shopping online:

  • 1. Freedom:This app allows you to block access to certain websites or apps for a set amount of time. You can customize your blocklist to include online shopping sites and set up recurring sessions to limit your access.
  • 2. OFFTIME:This app helps you disconnect from your phone and limit your screen time. It allows you to set up custom profiles that block access to specific apps or websites, including online shopping sites.
  • 3. AppBlock:This app allows you to create a schedule for when certain apps or websites are blocked on your device. You can set up a blocklist for online shopping sites during specific times of the day or week.
  • 4. StayFocusd:This is a browser extension for Google Chrome that allows you to limit your time spent on certain websites. You can customize your blocklist to include online shopping sites and set up daily limits for your access.
  • 5. Cold Turkey:This app allows you to block access to specific websites or apps for a set amount of time. You can set up a custom blocklist for online shopping sites and set up recurring blocks to limit your access.

where to seek extra help?

Do you need some support and help to stop and overcome and recover from your shopping online addiction? If you or someone you know is struggling with shopping online addiction, there are a few places to seek help.

The Ultimate Rewiring Program For shopping online Addicts

Our course The Digital Purge. This course has already helped many digital addicts to rewire to what matter.

Is there a “treatment” to cure online shopping addiction?

Yes, there are treatments available for online shopping addiction. Some of the common treatments include:

  • 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It aims to identify the problematic thoughts and behaviors that lead to online shopping addiction and replace them with healthy ones.
  • 2. Self-help groups: Joining online or in-person support groups can help people connect with others who are struggling with similar issues and provide encouragement.
  • 3. Mindfulness meditation:Practicing mindfulness can help individuals become aware of their thoughts and emotions and develop self-control.
  • 4. Professional counseling:Seeking the help of a mental health professional can provide individuals with personalized treatment plans and support.
  • 5. Medications:In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage underlying mental health conditions that contribute to online shopping addiction.

It’s important to note that treatment may take time, and it’s essential to have a support system in place to maintain recovery.

Does online shopping therapy exist?

Yes, therapy for online shopping addiction does exist. This type of therapy can be provided by licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, counselors, and therapists who specialize in addiction and compulsive behaviors. The therapy may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to their addiction. It may also involve behavioral therapy, which helps individuals learn how to resist the urge to shop online and develop healthier coping skills. In addition, support groups and online forums can also be helpful for individuals struggling with online shopping addiction.

Where to find support groups if you are addicted to shopping online?

There are several online resources where you can find support groups for online shopping addiction. Here are a few:

  • 1. Online Shopping Addiction Support Group on Facebook:This is a closed group that provides a supportive and confidential space for people struggling with online shopping addiction.
  • 2. Shopaholics Anonymous:This is an online forum where people can share their experiences and support each other in their recovery from compulsive shopping.
  • 3. Debtors Anonymous:While not specifically focused on online shopping addiction, this international 12-step program can be a helpful resource for those struggling with compulsive spending and debt.
  • 4. Addiction Center:This website offers a directory of addiction support groups, including ones specifically for shopping addiction.
  • 5. SMART Recovery:This organization offers online meetings and resources for people struggling with addictive behaviors, including shopping addiction.

Remember, seeking help for addiction is a brave and important step, and there is support available to help you along the way.

But other shopping online addiction solutions exist

If you are struggling with online shopping addiction and do not want to join a support group, there are other options for finding help:

  • 1. Talk to a trusted friend or family member:Sharing your struggles with someone you trust can be very helpful. They may be able to offer support and guidance, and help you stay accountable.
  • 2. Seek professional help:Consider seeing a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction. They can help you understand the root causes of your addiction and provide tools for managing it.
  • 3. Use self-help resources: There are many books, websites, and apps that can help you overcome addiction. Look for resources that focus on shopping addiction specifically, and try out different strategies to see what works for you.
  • 4. Set boundaries:If you’re struggling with online shopping addiction, it may be helpful to set some boundaries for yourself. For example, you could limit the amount of time you spend browsing online stores, or only allow yourself to make purchases on certain days of the week.

Remember, you don’t have to face addiction alone. There are many resources available to help you overcome it.

Conclusion

If you find that you can’t resist the urge to shop online, there are a few things you can do to try and overcome your addiction. First, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Only buy what you can afford, and don’t impulse buy. Second, try to shop only when you need to. If you can resist the urge to shop when you’re bored, you’ll be less likely to overspend. Lastly, be honest with yourself. If you find that you’re spending more money online than you can afford, it’s time to seek help. There are many resources available to help you overcome your addiction to shopping, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

To go further, please check our course The Digital Purge.Here is the trailer:

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How to help someone with shopping online addiction?

Here are some general tips that may be helpful:

  • 1. Encourage them to seek professional help:If you believe that someone is struggling with an online shopping addiction, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
  • 2. Set boundaries:If you know someone with an online shopping addiction, it is important to set clear boundaries. For example, you may need to limit the amount of time they spend online, or restrict their access to shopping sites.
  • 3. Encourage healthy activities:Encourage the person to engage in healthy activities that will take their mind off shopping. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family can all be effective distractions.
  • 4. Offer support:If you know someone with an online shopping addiction, offer your support and encouragement. Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help them overcome their addiction.
  • 5. Consider an intervention:If the person’s addiction is severe, you may need to consider staging an intervention. This should be done with the help of a professional who can guide you through the process.

Best books about online shopping addiction

  • 1. “The Psychology of Online Shopping Addiction” by Dr. Kimberly S. Young
  • 2. “Addicted to Shopping: Understanding and Overcoming the Behaviors of Compulsive Spenders” by Karen McCall
  • 3. “The High Price of Materialism” by Tim Kasser
  • 4. “Breaking the Spell of Online Shopping Addiction: A Guide to Regaining Control Over Your Life” by David Briskin
  • 5. “Overcoming Compulsive Shopping” by April Lane Benson

Research about online shopping addiction

1. “Online shopping addiction: Symptoms, causes, and effects” by Brittany Morgan, published on Addiction Center.
2. “Online shopping addiction: A review of the literature” by Nada M. Almarwani and Haya M. Alshamrani, published in the Journal of Public Health Research.
3. “Online shopping addiction: The impact of personality traits and compulsive buying tendencies” by Sarah Jafari, published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.
4. “The relationship between online shopping addiction and personality: A study of young adults in Malaysia” by Siti Hajar Abd Aziz and Norazah Mohd Suki, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
5. “Online shopping addiction: A systematic review of the literature” by Alina L. Popescu and Oana We. Constantin, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

To go further, please check our course The Digital Purge.

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The impact of online shopping on our society

Online shopping addiction can have various negative impacts on our society. Some of them are:

  • 1. Financial instability:People addicted to online shopping tend to overspend on unnecessary items, leading to financial instability. This can cause problems such as debt, bankruptcy, and poverty.
  • 2. Social isolation:Online shopping addicts tend to spend more time alone in front of their computers, leading to social isolation. This can cause problems such as depression and anxiety.
  • 3. Environmental impact:Online shopping addiction can lead to an increase in packaging waste, transportation emissions, and carbon footprint, which can have a detrimental impact on the environment.
  • 4. Impact on local businesses:As more people turn to online shopping, local businesses may suffer, leading to job losses and economic instability in the community.
  • 5. Cybersecurity risks:Online shopping addiction can put individuals at risk of cyber-attacks, identity theft, and fraud, leading to financial losses and other negative outcomes.

Overall, online shopping addiction can have a significant impact on our society, from financial instability to environmental degradation, and it is crucial to raise awareness and take steps to mitigate its negative effects.

To go further, please check our course The Digital Purge.

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