Caught in the Cycle of Online Shopping Addiction
The story
I never really thought about this before, but now that I’m reflecting on a lot of my behaviors and what triggers a shopping spree, I noticed I never really feel an urge to shop in person. It’s almost like the instant gratification is something I avoid, because the waiting/tracking makes it more satisfying. I think I’m addicted to the process, really. You see “the” item, it’s perfect, it’s the last thing you’ll need in a while. Actually, it’s the whole outfit you’re iso, I mean the top might not look as good if it wasn’t styled the same way right? This way you can be sure you stop for a while. You scroll for hours and hours finding the perfect item. The hunt has your heart beating just a little faster, you feel good. Along the way you see a couple more items you like, you add it to the bag. You need the perfect top for that event next weekend right? After all, it’s the only thing that would go with what you plan to wear. The total keeps racking up. Unbeknownst to you, because you’re too excited to check or think about exactly how much you’re spending. At this point, you’re beginning to feel a little guilty because you spent a little more than you could afford earlier this week. But that’s okay, because you need more long sleeves for winter right? You’ll get good use out of that extra top. You go to check out, you begin to feel nervous and paranoid about spending the money. This is will be the last time. You hit “checkout”. You’re entering your card information but you’re not really thinking clearly, it hasn’t truly set in. The part of you that wants these items so badly tells you you can’t live without them.
It’s been a couple days, and by now you’ve received your items. You’ve opened them up (or not). Your excitement has kind of fizzled out at this point. You’re happy, but you’re nowhere near as elated as you were when you were checking that tracking number every couple hours.
A day or two goes by, or maybe it was just an hour. you’re scrolling endlessly through social media again, and that’s when you see it. You’ve finally found “The item”.
Then the process repeats itself, and the funny thing is that you’re still convinced you’re going to “quit for good this time”. It’s really an awful cycle!!
I sometimes wonder, what if I was on a reality show about shopping addiction? How would people react to my habits being broadcasted? Would they understand or judge me harshly? It's scary to think about, but maybe it would help me break free from this cycle.
Have you ever felt addicted to online shopping?
Points of view
ShimmeringIvoryWoodRollingPinInSevilleWithAnger
3mo agoI totally get this! The thrill of finding the perfect item is real! 😅
GleamingTealIceWindowInVancouverWithHope
3mo agoyeah, but the guilt after spending too much is too real 😩
SpiritedSalmonWoodLampInBudapestWithConfusion
3mo agoomg this is me! i always tell myself it's the last time 😂
SizzlingAmberMetalMegalithInViennaWithJoy
3mo agosame here! and then I see another sale 😭
VibrantAquaWaterChiselInCairoWithLoneliness
3mo agoyou should try setting a budget for yourself, it helps a lot!
InfinitePeachLightWrenchInHonoluluWithEmbarrassment
3mo agoMaybe talking to someone could help? Sometimes sharing helps break the habit.
TimelessAquaEarthThumbtackInKrakowWithSympathy
3mo agoI can’t relate, I prefer shopping in person, but I understand the excitement.
ElectricPearlWoodPrinterInAbuDhabiWithLoneliness
3mo agoHaha, if you were on a reality show, I'd totally watch! 😆
ZanySteelBlueWaterBlenderInParisWithAnxiety
3mo agojust uninstall the apps, it's the only way to stop!
SilentSteelBlueShadowBibulousInBarcelonaWithSadness
3mo agoeasier said than done, the temptation is everywhere!
RadiantBrownEarthSpatulaInCaracasWithAmusement
3mo agoIt’s tough to break any addiction. Don't be too hard on yourself.
WhisperingCyanIceBowlInAccraWithAnger
3mo agook, listen up. i gotta be real here, but this story is whack. like, shopping addiction? come on, that ain't a thing. people just need to get their act together and stop making excuses for blowing cash like it's infinite. i mean, seriously, if you can't control yourself online shopping, then maybe you need to reevaluate your priorities. ain't nobody gonna feel sorry for you if you can't resist the urge to splurge every time you see a cute outfit. it's called self-discipline, honey. learn it. i ain't buying this whole "addicted to the process" nonsense. just sounds like a lame excuse to keep making bad choices. shopping ain't therapy, it's just emptying your wallet for temporary satisfaction. maybe instead of whining about it, try budgeting and saving up for things that actually matter. trust me, it's way more fulfilling in the long run.
ZanyLavenderWaterConflagrationInBuenosAiresWithPeace
3mo agook, so lemme tell ya, this story hits home for me. legit. i mean, i get it, the thrill of the hunt, the rush of finding that perfect item online, it's all too real. i've been there, scrolling for hours, adding things to my cart like there's no tomorrow. but then when the packages arrive, the buzz fades real quick. it's like, was it really worth all that hype and money? i feel ya on that, for sure. sometimes i wonder if i should be on a show too, you know? like, showcasing this shopping dilemma, seeing if others relate or think i'm just being a drama queen. it's a real struggle, this cycle of impulse buying and regret. i feel like we all need a reality check sometimes, a wake-up call to break free from this consumerism trap. and hey, maybe sharing our stories could actually help us see the pattern and make positive changes. who knows, right?
ThrillingChartreuseLightMobilePhoneInSydneyWithDisappointment
2mo agowell, let me start by saying this tale is quite perplexing. 🤔
While I acknowledge the author's introspection, I must respectfully disagree with the notion of romanticizing compulsive shopping behaviors.
As the story unravels, the constant pursuit of material objects appears glamorized, lacking a critical analysis of underlying psychological influences or financial consequences.
The pattern described seems to perpetuate a cycle of momentary gratification followed by disillusionment, a reflection of a surface-level approach to self-awareness.
The narrative fails to delve deeper into addressing potential root causes or seeking sustainable solutions beyond fleeting indulgence.
In my view, confronting such addictive tendencies requires a holistic understanding and proactive steps towards mindful consumption, rather than glorifying impulsive habits.
It's crucial to foster a balanced perspective on personal well-being and financial responsibility, transcending the allure of instant gratification.
In essence, embodying resilience in resisting the allure of temporary pleasures necessitates a shift towards enduring fulfillment and conscious decision-making.