Online shopping – it’s convenient, fun, and can be a great way to snag a deal. But when does a harmless hobby turn into an uncontrollable habit?
As enjoyable as it is to browse and add to your cart, psychologist experts warn that unchecked online shopping can quickly become a problem.
Subtle signs may emerge long before you realize the impact it’s having on your finances, mental well-being, and even relationships.
If you’re wondering whether your online shopping is still under control or beginning to take over, this article is for you.
Let’s dive into 8 subtle signs that your online shopping habit may be getting out of hand—and what you can do about it before it’s too late.
1) Constantly checking for deals
In the digital age, it’s easy to get sucked into a never-ending cycle of hunting for the next best deal. With countless online shops and sales happening all the time, there’s always a new bargain to snag.
While there’s nothing wrong with being a savvy shopper, psychologists warn that the constant need to check for deals can be an early sign of an online shopping addiction.
Think about it. Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through sales pages during your lunch break, or even in the middle of the night?
Is your inbox inundated with promotional emails that you just can’t resist clicking on?
This compulsive behavior reflects an underlying desire for instant gratification – a key characteristic of addictive behaviors.
Remember, it’s not about stopping online shopping altogether, but rather about maintaining a healthy relationship with it.
So if ‘deal hunting’ is taking up more of your time and attention than you’d like, it might be time to reassess.
2) You’re buying things you don’t need
I must admit, I’ve fallen into this trap myself.
Once, I found an online sale for a set of fancy kitchen knives. The discount was huge, the reviews were glowing, and I got swept up in the urgency of the deal. I clicked ‘buy’ before I could second-guess myself.
The problem?
I already had a perfectly good set of knives at home. In fact, I rarely cooked elaborate meals that would necessitate such a high-quality set.
This is another sign psychologists point to when identifying an online shopping habit that’s getting out of hand.
The thrill of the deal overshadows the actual need for the item. Before you know it, you’re filling your virtual cart with things you don’t need or even particularly want.
So next time you find yourself drawn to an irresistible deal, pause and ask yourself: Do I really need this? Or am I just enticed by the thrill of the bargain?
3) Your savings are suffering
Did you know that in 2018, the average American had over $38,000 in personal debt, excluding mortgages? And a significant portion of this can be attributed to credit card debt, often fueled by online shopping.
When your online shopping habits start to impact your financial health, it’s a clear sign that things might be getting out of hand.
If you’re constantly seeing a dip in your savings or finding yourself unable to pay off your credit card balance in full each month, it’s time to reevaluate.
While it’s easy to justify a purchase here and there, these small amounts can quickly add up. And when this starts affecting your ability to save or meet your financial goals, it’s time to take a step back.
4) You’re hiding purchases
Are you finding yourself stashing away new purchases before anyone sees them? Or do you feel a pang of guilt when your partner or roommate asks, “Is that new?”
If you’re feeling the need to hide your online shopping activities, it’s a red flag.
According to psychologists, secretive behavior around shopping habits often indicates feelings of guilt or shame, which are signs of a deeper issue.
Shopping should be a transparent activity, not something you feel you need to hide from others.
If these signs resonate with you, reevaluate your online shopping habits and explore why you feel the need to shop in secret. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking professional help if you’re struggling with this.
5) It’s affecting your relationships
Online shopping should never come between you and the people you care about. However, when it starts to take up too much of your time, energy, and financial resources, it can strain relationships.
Perhaps you’ve been spending less time with loved ones because you’re constantly browsing online stores. Or maybe arguments about money have become more frequent due to your shopping habits.
It’s crucial to remember that relationships are far more valuable than any material possessions.
If you notice your online shopping is causing tension or conflict with those close to you, take it as a sign that it may be time to reassess your habits.
Even when it’s hard, open communication can do wonders. Talk about your struggles with someone you trust. They may provide the support and perspective you need to regain control over your shopping habits.
6) You feel anxious when you can’t shop
I remember a time when my internet was down for a couple of days due to a storm.
It felt like I was cut off from the world, which was annoying, but what really surprised me was how restless I felt without being able to check my favorite online stores.
This feeling of anxiety or restlessness when you can’t shop is another sign psychologists point out.
It’s as if the act of shopping has become a pacifier, a way to soothe ourselves. When it’s taken away, we feel uncomfortable or on edge.
If you notice you’re feeling stressed or anxious when you’re not able to shop, it’s worth paying attention to this. It may indicate that online shopping has become more than just a pastime – that it’s morphed into a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or negative emotions.
7) You’re neglecting your responsibilities
When online shopping becomes a priority over your responsibilities, it’s a clear indication that things might be spiraling out of control.
Are you delaying work tasks to browse through new arrivals? Or putting off chores because you’re caught up in an online auction?
Perhaps you’re even skipping social commitments to wait for a sale to start.
When shopping begins to encroach on time dedicated to other areas of your life, it’s a cause for concern.
Our responsibilities, be it work, family, or personal care, should never take a backseat because of an online shopping habit. Being aware of this shifting priority can help you identify if your online shopping is becoming a problem.
8) You’re not feeling satisfied anymore
At the end of the day, one of the most telling signs is when online shopping no longer brings you joy. Instead, it might be leaving you feeling empty or even regretful after each purchase.
Shopping should be a source of satisfaction, not a trigger for negative emotions.
If you find yourself feeling unfulfilled or increasingly dissatisfied after shopping, it’s a sign that your habit may be more problematic than you thought.
Paying attention to how you feel post-purchase can provide valuable insight into your relationship with online shopping.
It’s crucial to remember that true contentment doesn’t come from material possessions, but from living a balanced and meaningful life.
Final thoughts: It’s about balance
Recognizing the signs that your online shopping habit is getting out of hand is the first step toward regaining control.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a good deal, but when shopping starts affecting your finances, mental health, or relationships, it’s time to reassess.
By acknowledging the subtle warning signs and taking proactive steps to manage your habits, you can create a healthier, more balanced relationship with online shopping.
So, the next time you find yourself hovering over the ‘buy now’ button, pause for a moment. Reflect on your habits and consider whether your online shopping is still serving you, or if it’s starting to take control.
