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

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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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