Approximately 7% of adults worldwide struggle with shopping addiction, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to spend despite negative financial consequences. Younger women appear to be more susceptible to this condition, according to a global study.
One individual, 24-year-old Ella Hewitt from Liverpool, described her addiction as reaching a point in 2021 where she was spending up to £700 per month on fast fashion items she did not need and often did not wear. Hewitt stated that growing up with limited financial resources meant she would spend her wages as soon as they were received after starting a job. She attributes the continued shopping to the dopamine release it provided, exacerbated by the constant encouragement found on social media platforms.
Hewitt reported making purchases on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, particularly when she felt tired or bored, driven by the latest trends displayed on her feeds.
The phenomenon of impulse buying, where individuals make unplanned purchases, can escalate into a habit. The pervasive nature of online shopping, particularly through social media channels, presents a continuous stream of temptations that can trigger these urges, especially during late-night scrolling sessions. The allure of new trends and the ease of making purchases directly from social media feeds contribute to the problem for many, leading to significant financial strain and regret.