Symptoms

• Intrusive urges to engage in online shopping

• Interruptions in social relationships due to this engagement

• Disruptions at school or work due to urges or engagement

• Financial complications due to indulgence

• Trouble controlling the urge to engage in online behaviors

• Increase in feelings of anxiety, depression, and guilt

Facts about Online Shopping Addiction

• The act of buying is immediately gratifying. Buyers feel a rush, relief of tension, and an improved mood.

• Often people with shopping addiction do not see an issue until they see indebtedness. 

• Financial instability caused by online shopping can cause anxiety, depression, stress, and relationships issues.

• Online shopping addiction affects Millennials the most, followed by 15–24-year-olds.

• Most buyers purchase items they do not need. Often items bought are hoarded and not used.

• Self-regulation issues are the highest contributing factor to Online shopping addiction.

• People engage in addictive online shopping because they say it is enjoyable, pleasurable, and relieving.

• Higher Smartphone use facilitates more issues with shopping addiction because you have immediate and constant access to the online shopping platform.

• Ease of use and practicality are two major factors that contribute to shopping addiction. For instance, Amazon has “1-click ordering,” which means you set up an automatic payment method, such as a credit card, to click and buy an item with only a few clicks. This makes it extremely easy for people to get addicted to shopping.