This is part 2 of the series of articles on Digital Addiction.
Link to earlier posts on the subject:
Introductory Post.
Part 1: Understanding Digital Addiction.
In Covid lockdown times online shopping has been a savior. It is a good facility as long as it does not turn into an addiction. The rise of e-commerce sites, flash sales, deal offers and credit facilities make online shopping an attractive activity.
Online platforms know what one is interested in and do nudge us towards buying them. Sponsored online ads are targeted towards exploiting the concept of cue-reactivity (excitement from shopping clues) and craving (irresistible desire to purchase).
Definition. Shopping addiction is a compulsive desire to shop, manifesting into a preoccupation with buying and shopping despite negative consequences. The addiction can be harmful to a person’s physical and emotional health, personal relationships, financial status and professional life. Shopping addiction has names like:
• Buying addiction
• Compulsive buying
• Oniomania.
Factors that encourage online shopping. These are as follows:
• People want to avoid crowded markets and shops.
• Privacy of online shopping.
• Constant availability.
• Availability of large variety.
• Immediate gratification.
Signs of online shopping addiction Some of the signs are as follows:
• Thinking about online shopping all the time.
• Getting upset on denial of online shopping.
• Online shopping makes you feel good and relaxed.
• Guilt feeling later on.
• Spending less time on other important things
• Buying things not needed.
• Buying unaffordable things.
• Financial troubles.
• Arguments with close relatives over it.
Remedy. Ways to get over the habit / addiction are as follows:
• Unsubscribe from all promotional emails.
• Block the shopping sites.
• Delete shopping apps from mobile and other devices.
• Adopt alternate methods of feeling good and lifting your mood.
• Get Help.
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201511/10-signs-you-re-addicted-online-shopping
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/12/02/5-ways-to-combat-an-online-shopping-addiction
Please feel free to comment and provide value addition.
Coming up soon – Part 3: Computer Games Addiction.