We repeatedly report on fake online shops that pose a danger to unwary users on the Internet. These fraudulent shops often disguise themselves as legitimate providers and lure unsuspecting customers into their trap. This often results in the loss of money, personal data or both, which can lead to significant inconvenience and impaired trust in online trading. There are also numerous reputable online shops on the Internet that treat their customers fairly and conduct legitimate business and there is another danger here, namely the danger of “online shopping addiction”.

However, with reputable online shops there is another, less obvious danger that lies behind the convenient shopping behavior: online shopping addiction. The constant availability of products and the ability to purchase them with just a few clicks can lead to compulsive buying behavior in some people. Although these legitimate online stores do not have fraudulent intentions, their presence and ease of use can make it difficult for people prone to such addiction to control their shopping behavior. This addiction can have far-reaching consequences on the lives and finances of those affected, which is why it is important to be aware of this potential danger and seek help if needed.

With the rise of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay and numerous online stores, the way we shop has fundamentally changed. Online shopping is convenient, time-saving and allows us to find and compare products from all over the world. But behind this seemingly harmless convenience lies a growing danger: online shopping addiction.

Online shopping addiction, also known as shopping addiction or oniomania, is a growing phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a psychological disorder characterized by repeated, compulsive purchases of goods or services online.

The psychology of online shopping addiction

The mechanics of online shopping are often designed to entice us to spend more and more money and become addicted. Factors such as personalized recommendations, tempting offers and flash sales, easy payment methods and the “Buy Now” button create immediate demand and encourage impulsive shopping behavior. These factors can lead people to spend increasing amounts of time and money on online shopping, often beyond their financial means.

The impact on finances

Online shopping addiction can lead to significant financial problems. Many sufferers spend more money than they can afford and accumulate debt. The constant need to shop online can cause people to deplete their savings, take out loans or overdraw credit cards. In the long term, this can lead to serious financial difficulties, poor credit, and even bankruptcy.

How addiction affects our finances

  1. Indebtedness : Compulsive buying can cause sufferers to exceed their financial capabilities and accumulate debt. This can lead to a vicious cycle of making further purchases to regain a sense of control and happiness.
  2. Wasting money : An online shopping addiction often results in spending money on unnecessary or unnecessary items. These can build up over time and take up valuable space in your living space.
  3. Impaired Work Performance : People who suffer from online shopping addiction may neglect their work performance as they are constantly looking for new ways to shop. This can lead to poorer work performance, absenteeism and even job loss.

The impact on relationships and quality of life

Addiction to online shopping can also affect relationships and overall quality of life. Sufferers may neglect their social interactions and hobbies to spend time shopping online. In addition, the financial problems caused by addiction can lead to stress, conflict and tension in relationships and families.

How addiction affects our lives

  1. Social Isolation: People who suffer from online shopping addiction often spend hours searching for and purchasing products online. As a result, social life can suffer and those affected increasingly withdraw from family and friends.
  2. Poor sleep: Excessive online shopping can lead to sleep disorders as sufferers often shop late into the night and sacrifice their rest time.
  3. Poor diet and lack of exercise: Constant surfing the internet and focusing on online shopping can result in neglecting physical activity and a healthy diet. This can lead to poorer physical condition and health.

Our self-test allows you to determine whether you may be susceptible to shopping addiction. However, remember that this test does not replace professional diagnosis or expert advice. If you suspect that you are suffering from shopping addiction, it is advisable to contact an expert such as a doctor or therapist.

  1. Do you often buy things that you don't really need or use?
  2. Do you feel euphoric or relaxed when you shop?
  3. Do you spend a lot of time thinking about your next purchases or searching for products online?
  4. Are you trying to hide your purchases from family or friends?
  5. Have you ever had financial difficulties or debt because of your purchasing behavior?
  6. Do you find it difficult to walk past a store or sale without buying something?
  7. Do you feel guilty or anxious after shopping because you know you shouldn't?
  8. Do you ever buy things to make yourself feel better when you're stressed or depressed?
  9. Has your shopping behavior ever led to conflicts with your partner, family or friends?
  10. Do you feel that your shopping behavior has a negative impact on your life (e.g. by neglecting social contacts, hobbies or work)?

Evaluation:

0-2 “Yes” answers: You probably don’t suffer from a shopping addiction.

Nevertheless, it is important to maintain conscious and responsible purchasing behavior. 3-5 “Yes” answers: You could be at risk of becoming addicted to shopping.
Pay attention to your shopping behavior and, if necessary, seek support in order to identify and deal with possible problems at an early stage. 6-10 “Yes” answers: It is possible that you have a shopping addiction. Please consult a doctor or therapist for professional assessment and assistance.

10 tips to counteract online shopping addiction and promote healthy shopping behavior

  1. Set a budget:
    Set a monthly budget for online shopping and stick to it strictly to keep your spending under control.
  2. Use wish lists:
    Instead of buying items right away, add them to a wish list and review them after a few days. You often realize that you no longer really want the item.
  3. Remove payment information:
    Delete stored credit card information from online shopping platforms to make the purchasing process less convenient and impulsive.
  4. Avoid impulsive purchases:
    Wait at least 24 hours before purchasing an item to make sure you really need the purchase and are not just acting on impulse.
  5. Unsubscribe from newsletters:
    Unsubscribe from email newsletters and notifications informing you of offers and sales to reduce temptation.
  6. Uninstall apps:
    Remove online shopping apps from your smartphone to make e-commerce platforms more difficult to access and reduce usage.
  7. Schedule regular offline times:
    Schedule regular offline times in which you focus on other activities, such as hobbies, sports or time with friends and family.
  8. Track your spending:
    Keep a spending log where you record all online purchases. This will help you become aware of your spending habits and identify potential problems.
  9. Reward yourself:
    Set savings goals and reward yourself when you achieve them, for example by using some of the money saved for a special experience or a vacation.
  10. Seek Help:
    If you feel like your online shopping habits are out of control and affecting your quality of life or finances, do not hesitate to seek professional help

Conclusion: Online shopping is undoubtedly a convenient way to do our shopping, but it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. To avoid the negative effects of online shopping addiction, we should make conscious and informed purchasing decisions, set budgets and focus on what really matters: our relationships, our health and our well-being.

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )