Online Shopping Addiction: Definition, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Online shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive purchasing behaviors on the internet, driven by the need to fulfill emotional impulses. People with this addiction often make purchases to alleviate negative emotions, without considering the consequences of their actions.

Symptoms of online shopping addiction include compulsive buying behavior, financial difficulties, withdrawal symptoms, and a disruption of daily life. Risk factors for this addiction include impulsivity, low self-esteem, easy access to the internet, and boredom. Common causes involve materialism, co-occurring mental health disorders, and the convenience of online shopping.

Treatment for online shopping addiction typically involves therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or individual counseling. Additionally, medications may be prescribed to address any underlying mental health conditions, which in turn can help reduce the tendencies toward compulsive online shopping.

What is an online shopping addiction?

Online shopping addiction is characterized by compulsively purchasing items on the internet, often as a way to cope with negative emotions and achieve temporary relief. Correa, in her 2022 article published on Addiction Center, highlights how the internet has intensified the shopping habits of those already struggling with this addiction.

Individuals suffering from online shopping addiction often feel a lack of control over their spending, despite the negative consequences, which can include financial bankruptcy and strained relationships. The convenience and accessibility of online shopping further fuel this behavior, making it more difficult for individuals to break free from the cycle of compulsive buying.

Is Online Shopping Addictive?

Yes. Online shopping can become addictive for some individuals. While not officially classified as a distinct disorder in the DSM-5, online shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying or buying-shopping disorder, exhibits hallmark features of behavioral addictions: loss of control, emotional regulation through shopping, and significant disruption to daily life.

Research indicates that excessive time spent on e-commerce platforms and frequent online shopping are strong predictors of addiction. According to a study titled “Determinants of Online Shopping Addiction Among Vietnamese University Students” by Duong and Liaw, published in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment in April 2021, daily online shopping frequency and time spent shopping online significantly increase the risk of addiction. Conversely, greater internet experience was found to reduce susceptibility, suggesting that digital literacy may serve as a protective factor. 

What is another term for online shopping addiction?

Online shopping addiction is also known by other terms such as oniomania, compulsive shopping, or buying-shopping disorder (BSD). However, it is most commonly referred to as compulsive shopping. It's important to note that online shopping addiction is not officially recognized as a distinct behavioral addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Is Online Shopping a Depressive Illness?

No. Online shopping addiction is not classified as a depressive illness. While there is a notable association between online shopping addiction and depression, they are distinct conditions.

Research indicates that individuals with online shopping addiction often exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms. However, it's essential to recognize that online shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive buying behaviors, whereas depression is a mood disorder with its own set of diagnostic criteria.

According to a study titled “Is Online Shopping Addiction Still a Depressive Illness?” by Li Xia, published in Heliyon in 2024, while psychological studies have linked online shopping addiction with depression, business practices challenge this conclusion. The study suggests that external factors, such as marketing strategies and the immersive nature of online shopping platforms, play a significant role in the development of online shopping addiction, indicating that it is not solely a manifestation of depressive illness.

How does online shopping addiction develop?

Online shopping addiction can manifest through several factors:

1. Convenience and Accessibility: The ease of purchasing items online makes it highly appealing to some individuals.
   
2. Avoidance of Social Interaction: Some individuals prefer online shopping as a way to avoid interactions typically required at physical stores.
   
3. Emotional Coping: Shopping online can become a method for individuals to manage negative emotions or feelings, providing a temporary escape.
   
4. Boredom: For some, online shopping serves as a distraction from feelings of boredom.
   
5. Impulsive Purchases: These factors combined may lead individuals to feel pressured into making online purchases, and once they experience the "rush" of shopping, they find it difficult to stop.

What causes online shopping addiction?

Online shopping addiction can develop due to a combination of psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors. The main causes include:

• Materialism: Individuals with materialistic tendencies often associate their self-worth with the possessions they own and seek external validation. This constant desire for new items fuels compulsive buying behavior and makes it difficult to resist materialistic impulses.
• Other mental health conditions: People with underlying mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, impulse control disorder, and eating disorders may be more prone to developing online shopping addiction. These conditions can act as triggers, with individuals using shopping as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
• Convenience: The accessibility of online shopping, available 24/7 and requiring minimal effort, can encourage impulsive behavior. The speed, ease, and gratification of online purchases make it particularly tempting, especially when individuals are looking for distraction or relief from emotional discomfort.
• Traditional shopping addiction: Individuals already addicted to in-person shopping are at increased risk of transferring their compulsive behaviors to the digital space. The transition is seamless due to the similarities in reward mechanisms and the added convenience of online access.

According to a study titled “Compulsive Buying Behavior and Online Shopping Addiction: International Evidence” by Sathya and colleagues, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2023, the internet has intensified the prevalence of compulsive buying, particularly among individuals with low self-control and materialistic values. The study highlights that factors such as convenience, availability, and promotional tactics online further reinforce these addictive behaviors (mdpi.com).

These findings underscore that online shopping addiction is multifaceted, driven not only by psychological vulnerabilities but also by the structure and environment of e-commerce platforms.

What are the signs of online shopping addiction?

The signs of online shopping addiction include:

1. Shopping excessively and uncontrollably.
   
2. Feeling guilty after spending money or going shopping.
   
3. Shopping as a reaction to negative emotions such as anger or sadness.
   
4. Being secretive about online purchases and attempting to hide them from family and friends.
   
5. Often buying more than planned or more than what can be afforded.

What are the symptoms of online shopping addiction?

Listed below are the symptoms of online shopping addiction.

1. Constant thoughts about online shopping

2. Compulsive buying habits

3. Struggling financially

4. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

5. Negative emotional consequences

6. Tension in relationships

7. Hiding or lying about online purchases

8. Disruption in daily activities

9. Emotional dependence on shopping

10. Inability to control buying behavior

1. Constant thoughts about online shopping

Preoccupation with online shopping involves an obsession and persistent thoughts focused on making online purchases. This fixation manifests as a constant obsession with browsing online stores. People who become preoccupied with online shopping and spend considerable time searching through websites may be at risk of becoming shopping addicts. The uncontrollable urge to shop can negatively impact financial stability and overall well-being.

2. Compulsive buying habits

Compulsive buying behavior refers to an irresistible and compelling urge to shop online, often triggered by negative emotions or events. Individuals with this urge may spend money on new items even if it could lead to financial problems or ruin. Online shopping makes it easier to fulfill these compulsive buying urges, as they can use their phones or laptops to make purchases when feeling upset or stressed.

3. Struggling financially

Financial difficulties refer to the inability to meet financial obligations like rent, mortgage, or utilities. One of the first signs of a compulsive buying problem may be financial struggles. According to Kim in his 2022 Business Insider post, buying addictions can severely affect someone’s financial situation. Those with shopping addiction tend to disregard their financial commitments when visiting stores—whether online or in-person.

4. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms refer to the physical and mental effects that occur when a person stops a substance or behavior they are addicted to. In the case of online shopping addiction, individuals may experience irritability, anger, frustration, or restlessness if they are unable to shop. These withdrawal symptoms arise when the urge to make purchases is not fulfilled, but they tend to subside over time.

5. Negative emotional consequences

Negative emotional impact refers to the feelings of shame or remorse that may arise after making an online purchase, as highlighted in a 2021 post on Addictions.com. Emotions such as anger, irritation, or sadness can trigger the urge to shop again. Following a shopping binge, individuals may feel guilty and try to hide their purchases, which may lead to a cycle of negative emotions.

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6. Tension in relationships

Relationship strain occurs when an addiction causes tension and issues between partners, potentially affecting all areas of the relationship, including intimacy, finances, and health. In the case of online shopping addiction, the behavior can create mistrust, financial stress, resentment, and a loss of intimacy, which can ultimately lead to relationship breakdowns or breakups.

7. Hiding or lying about online purchases

Concealing or lying about online purchases is a common behavior among online shopping addicts. They may intentionally hide their purchases from family and friends or deny making any purchases, even when evidence contradicts their claims. According to Hartney’s article on Verywell Mind (2022), addicts often lie to avoid confrontation and to protect themselves from feelings of shame.

8. Disruption in daily activities

When online shopping becomes an addiction, it interferes with an individual’s work, social, or romantic life. An addict may spend excessive time browsing online stores, adding items to their cart, and making purchases, which can impact their performance at work and reduce the time they spend with friends and loved ones.

9. Emotional dependence on shopping

Emotional dependence on shopping refers to an individual relying on online shopping to fulfill emotional needs, as discussed by Etxaburu et al. (2023) in the Current Psychology journal. These individuals may feel emotionally unstable without online shopping, experiencing symptoms like poor emotion regulation, anxiety, and depression. They may also go through withdrawal symptoms when unable to shop.

10. Inability to control buying behavior

Loss of control is a characteristic feature of addictive behaviors. In online shopping addiction, individuals may feel an overwhelming urge to shop without being able to stop, often acting impulsively. This lack of control can lead to significant financial problems, as the person continues to purchase items without considering the consequences.

What are the risk factors for online shopping addiction?

Listed below are the risk factors for online shopping addiction.

1. Impulsivity

2. Low self-esteem

3. Influence of advertising and marketing

4. Financial instability

5. Emotional vulnerability

6. Lack of knowledge or awareness

7. Co-occurring mental health disorders

8. Boredom

9. Insufficient social support

10. Easy internet access

1. Impulsivity

Impulsivity refers to acting without considering the consequences, often leading to sudden and unplanned decisions. While impulsive behavior is common in adolescents and adults, it can become problematic for some individuals who act impulsively multiple times a day. Such behaviors may manifest as aggression, restlessness, or distractibility, as noted by Cooper in his 2022 article on WebMD. Impulse purchases account for 40% to 80% of all purchases, according to Rodrigues et al. (2021), and individuals prone to impulsivity are more likely to develop an online shopping addiction.

2. Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem involves a lack of confidence in one's abilities, leading to social withdrawal and a reluctance to engage in public spaces, such as crowded stores. According to the NHS, individuals with low self-esteem are more inclined to spend time online and engage in online shopping. The anonymity and comfort of shopping from home allow them to feel better about themselves, as they are not judged based on their appearance or social interactions.

3. Influence of advertising and marketing

Advertising and marketing strategies aim to capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. Jogi and Vashisth, in their 2021 research paper presented at the Yogananda International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences, emphasize the effectiveness of online advertisements in shaping the perceptions of shoppers. Algorithms track user interests and display personalized ads, increasing the likelihood of attracting individuals susceptible to compulsive shopping. This targeted approach significantly enhances the chances of encouraging online shopping among those already inclined to impulsive behaviors.

4. Financial instability

Financial instability occurs when an individual struggles to meet basic financial obligations or risks jeopardize their future financial health due to mismanagement. This often leads to stress and emotional pressure. In an effort to cope with financial difficulties, some individuals may turn to excessive online shopping as a harmful behavioral pattern to alleviate stress.

5. Emotional vulnerability

Emotional vulnerability refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions such as sadness, shame, or anger, and the difficulty in expressing those feelings openly. People who are emotionally vulnerable may seek temporary relief through online shopping, using the excitement of acquiring new items to escape from their negative emotions. However, this behavior can lead to long-term financial and emotional distress.

6. Lack of knowledge or awareness

Lack of awareness or knowledge occurs when individuals are unaware of the risks associated with excessive online shopping or the potential consequences of compulsive buying behaviors. Without understanding the impact on their finances, mental health, and overall well-being, individuals may continue engaging in online shopping addiction, unaware of the harm it causes.

7. Co-occurring mental health disorders

Co-occurring mental health disorders refer to the presence of both a behavioral addiction, such as online shopping addiction, and an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. According to Glowiak (2022), many people with shopping addiction also suffer from diagnosable mental health conditions, particularly mood, appetite, and personality disorders.

8. Boredom

Boredom is a state of disinterest or disengagement from one's environment, which can include work, school, or social interactions. While boredom is common, for some people, it may trigger compulsive behaviors like online shopping. According to Sundström et al. (2018), when individuals experience boredom, they may be more likely to impulsively shop online, triggered by factors like price, ease of access, and free delivery.

9. Insufficient social support

Lack of social support refers to the absence of close relationships or a network of people to turn to for companionship, guidance, or emotional support. When an individual lacks social support and experiences high levels of stress, they are more likely to develop an online shopping addiction. Li et al. (2022) found that social support helps reduce stress and can influence shopping behaviors, particularly in college students.

10. Easy internet access

Internet access refers to the ability to use the internet at any time and from any location. Individuals with unrestricted access to the internet, particularly on personal devices like phones or laptops, are more likely to spend excessive time browsing online stores. This easy access increases the likelihood of developing an addiction to online shopping, as it becomes easy to engage in mindless browsing and impulsive purchases.

How does online shopping addiction affect financial well-being?

Online shopping addiction can significantly harm a person’s financial well-being. The ease of access to online stores and the instant gratification associated with purchasing items can lead to compulsive, unplanned spending. Over time, individuals may accumulate excessive debt through credit cards, personal loans, or even second mortgages, often exceeding their financial limits to support their shopping behavior.

This cycle of compulsive buying can disrupt financial stability, making it difficult for individuals to meet essential obligations such as rent, utilities, or savings goals. Many continue to shop despite knowing the consequences, driven by emotional triggers and an inability to control their impulses.

According to a study titled “The Role of Self-Control, Financial Attitude, and Depression in Predicting Financial Problems of Online Shoppers” by Erzincanlı Akbulut et al., published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2023, poor self-control and a weak financial attitude significantly increase the risk of financial problems among online shoppers. Depression was also identified as a contributing factor, suggesting that emotional and psychological issues often compound financial mismanagement (frontiersin.org).

These findings highlight the importance of addressing both behavioral and emotional factors when managing the financial consequences of online shopping addiction.

What triggers excessive online shopping?

Common triggers for excessive online shopping include negative emotions such as sadness, grief, anger, or frustration. Online shopping often triggers the release of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. According to Linnet's 2014 article in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, the brain experiences a greater dopamine rush from anticipating a reward rather than receiving it. This phenomenon causes individuals to seek out online shopping as a way to recreate that "dopamine high" in response to negative feelings, leading to compulsive and excessive shopping behaviors.

Where can you get diagnosed for online shopping addiction?

You can seek an online shopping addiction diagnosis at the following places:

• A therapist
  
• A psychiatrist
  
• Any other mental health professional
  

Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not officially recognize online shopping addiction, mental health professionals can help by identifying problematic behaviors, symptoms, and risk factors. They can also assist in creating a treatment plan to manage and address the addiction.

What treatments are available for online shopping addiction?

The treatments available for online shopping addiction often include a combination of the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  
• A strong support structure of family and friends
  
• Medication for underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety

Can cognitive behavioral therapy help with online shopping addiction?

Yes, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can treat online shopping addiction. According to Mary Cross, a Canadian CBT therapist, CBT is a type of talk therapy (psychotherapy) that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

CBT can assist online shopping addicts in recognizing their triggers and the emotions linked to their shopping compulsion. With the therapist's guidance, they can work on modifying these negative thoughts, which helps in overcoming the addiction. CBT also teaches healthier coping strategies for managing the urge to shop.

How long does recovery from online shopping addiction take?

The recovery timeline varies for each person. Some individuals may recover in a few weeks, while others could take a few months. Since online shopping addiction is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, there is no standardized treatment plan. However, recovery is a lifelong process, as relapse is possible, and maintaining long-term success requires ongoing effort.

How can online shopping addiction be prevented?

Prevention strategies include limiting internet use and access to certain websites to reduce exposure to temptation. Individuals should also seek support from friends and family if they notice signs of problematic shopping behavior.

What strategies are effective for managing online shopping addiction?

Here are some effective strategies to manage online shopping addiction:

• Make bank cards harder to access by keeping them in a less convenient location, such as a car.
  
• Unsubscribe from promotional emails and text messages.
  
• Implement a delay in making purchases, such as requiring a waiting period before completing an online transaction.
  
• Block access to websites that trigger impulsive spending.
  
• Engage in alternative hobbies to occupy time and reduce the urge to shop.
  
• Change daily routines to limit opportunities for online shopping.
  
• Join a self-help group, such as Spenders Anonymous, to connect with others who can provide support and understanding.

How to help your loved one with online shopping addiction?

Helping a loved one overcome online shopping addiction requires empathy, consistency, and active support tailored to their role in the family. For a spouse, open communication is essential, express concern without judgment, and work together to set financial boundaries, such as shared budgets or spending limits. 

For a parent, especially a mom or dad, approach the topic with respect and care, acknowledging generational differences while encouraging healthier coping mechanisms, like hobbies or mindfulness practices. Help them limit exposure to online triggers by assisting with unsubscribing from marketing emails or using website blockers. When it comes to kids, set clear rules about screen time and online spending, monitor their access to e-commerce platforms, and educate them about financial responsibility early on. 

Across all relationships, encourage professional help if compulsive behavior persists; therapy, support groups, and even family counseling can provide the structure needed for long-term recovery. Creating an environment of trust, routine, and accountability plays a key role in supporting their journey toward healthier shopping habits.

How is online shopping addiction related to internet addiction?

Both online shopping addiction and internet addiction are driven by excessive use of the internet, though they manifest differently. Internet addiction is characterized by spending excessive time online to the extent that it interferes with other areas of life. Individuals with this addiction may find themselves engaged in various online activities, from social media use to gaming or browsing. Those with online shopping addiction specifically focus on spending time on e-commerce platforms, compulsively purchasing items. It's common for someone with an online shopping addiction to also be classified as an internet addict, as both behaviors are fueled by prolonged internet use.

What differentiates online shopping addiction from traditional shopping addiction?

Traditional shopping addiction involves spending excessive time and money at physical stores, driven by the urge to purchase unnecessary items. Online shopping addiction is similar, but the key difference lies in the medium—shopping is done through online platforms rather than in brick-and-mortar stores. Both forms of addiction share the same core behavior of compulsive purchasing, but the convenience and accessibility of online shopping make it easier to engage in and often harder to control. According to a study highlighted by the Addiction Center, one-third of participants with traditional shopping addiction also developed online shopping addiction, demonstrating how the two can overlap.