Zwanghaftes Shoppen: Kaufsucht: Warum der schnelle Klick gefährlich werden kann

Uncontrollable shopping, or shopping addiction, is becoming more dangerous due to the ease of quick clicks. A person may start looking for a single item online, but ends up purchasing multiple clothing items or furniture. Buying more than necessary has become normal in our society, but there may be underlying addiction. Dr. Jan Michael Rasimus, an expert on consumer behavior from Karlsruhe, explains that shopping can be used to regulate emotions.

People often don't just rely on their rational thinking while shopping, emotions play a significant role too. Shopping can be enjoyable, rewarding, comforting, or distracting from unpleasant feelings like frustration, stress, or loneliness. However, a major shopping habit doesn't necessarily indicate a shopping addiction. The key factors are loss of control, distress, and negative consequences for the individual.

While there isn't an official psychological diagnosis for shopping addiction, it is classified as an impulse control disorder. People with shopping addiction use shopping to control their emotions, and the euphoria can be short-lived, leading to guilt and shame, which in turn can trigger another shopping impulse. The disorder doesn't affect just women, but can potentially affect anyone.

The younger generation, especially those heavily influenced by social media and influencer marketing, may be more vulnerable. The development of a shopping addiction can be gradual, taking months to years. The cycle starts with an uncomfortable feeling triggering a shopping impulse, leading to short-term relief, followed by guilt and shame, which can then trigger another shopping impulse.

Some people with shopping addiction might resort to debt, ordering items under false names, or not paying bills, which can lead to financial and psychological crises. The ease of online shopping has compounded the issue, with round-the-clock access to a vast range of products, easy payment options, and tempting offers. The modern world has made it harder for people with shopping addiction to break free.

To overcome this addiction, it's crucial to have an internal motivation to change. Strategies include keeping a shopping diary, recording feelings and thoughts before and after each purchase, setting budgets, and avoiding online triggers.