Compulsive shopping, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to spend despite negative financial consequences, is estimated to affect approximately 7% of adults globally. Research indicates that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are increasingly susceptible to impulse buying, a trend often attributed to the influence of social media, targeted advertising, and the convenience of one-click checkout features.
For some, the habit stems from a desire to compensate for childhood financial limitations. Ella Hewitt, a 24-year-old from Liverpool, previously spent up to £700 monthly on fast fashion, often purchasing items while feeling bored or tired. Similarly, 23-year-old Dish Patel from London found herself consistently overdrawn as a student due to frequent, trend-driven purchases. Both women have since implemented strict personal policies to regain control over their finances.
To combat these habits, individuals have turned to various diversionary tactics. Hewitt adopted a 30-day waiting period for non-essential items and utilized an imaginary budget to satisfy the urge to shop without actual expenditure. She also established a rule to only purchase items if she could afford to buy them three times over. Patel focused on increasing the "friction" of the shopping process by deleting retail applications, removing saved payment methods, and leaving bank cards at home. She also implemented a strategy of matching every desired purchase with an equivalent contribution to her savings or investments.
Organizations like the Ukat Group, which provides addiction treatment, note that shopping addiction often manifests through feelings of shame or guilt after a purchase, or a reliance on spending to improve one's mood. Experts suggest that mitigating these behaviors can involve unsubscribing from marketing emails, unfollowing influencers, and identifying emotional triggers such as stress or loneliness. For those struggling with debt or compulsive spending, resources such as Citizens Advice, Stepchange, and the National Debtline are available to provide guidance.
Source: BBC News
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