Shopping Is Impossible
It’s never been more exhausting to buy stuff.
Shopping has become an endless pursuit, consuming more of our time and mental energy. Jaehee Jung, a fashion psychology professor, notes that people are now spending more time contemplating purchases and getting stuck in the decision-making process. Everywhere we look, there's something for sale, blurring the line between shopping and not shopping.
This phenomenon, called "a little bit shopping," refers to the constant stream of consumer opportunities that lead to more opportunities, even if no actual purchase is made. The appeal of a little bit shopping comes from the thrill of the hunt, the potential for finding the perfect item, but it also contributes to feelings of overwhelm and dissatisfaction.
Unlike traditional shopping, online shopping is always open, allowing us to spend as much time as we want without any physical boundaries. However, brick-and-mortar stores aren't much better, with many online offerings not available in physical locations. The more we strive for ethical and sustainable choices, the higher the bar gets, as we demand perfection in our purchases.
Influencers and affiliate marketers add to the pressure by constantly promoting new products and creating the illusion that perfection exists somewhere out there. While some may argue for embracing good-enough options, the constant barrage of choices and opinions from strangers makes it hard to resist the allure of a little bit shopping.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
