In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, shopping has become more than just a way to acquire one’s necessities but also a way to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression—a practice known as retail therapy. Simple acts such as buying a new trendy top, shoes of the latest style, or the most popular water bottle on the market can cause feelings of temporary happiness. However, since many Americans consider shopping a form of entertainment, it has resulted in excessive spending. According to the Rubicon Recovery Center, five percent of adults in America have compulsive buying disorder (CBD), otherwise known as oniomania or shopaholism.
Social media has played a huge role in the rise of overconsumption, materialism, and the desire to shop. Influencers and advertisements display facades of perfect, luxurious lifestyles to advocate for products, subtly pressuring viewers to buy them. The need to keep up with current trends can result in financial consequences. According to The Wall Street Journal, Americans spend 1.2 trillion dollars on nonessential goods per year. One of the most recent examples is the popular $40 Stanley tumbler. Social media’s firm grasp on the younger generation has allowed for materialistic ideals to develop, and the idea that possessing random products determines one’s status. According to The Daily Cardinal, “Products are sold to customers not by the company, but by its appeal as a symbol of social acceptance. To fit in, customers feel they have no choice but to buy the product, even if deep down they know they do not need it.”
Many influencers are admired for their clothing or product “hauls.” They go on large shopping sprees, often buying many articles of clothing of the most recent styles, expensive makeup, or items in bulk, and display their purchases in videos online. Younger audiences look up to these influencers and may feel obligated to buy new things and participate in these microtrends. Many of these influencers promote fast fashion brands that produce low-quality clothing that is thrown out shortly after the trend fades, damaging the environment. These influencers are promoting the mental outlook that materialism will lead to happiness. Viewers are constantly informed that said product will “change your life” and “help you fit into the beauty standard,” which the social media created in the first place.
Children have become especially captivated by influencer culture in recent years, and this has led to the viral spectacle of the so-called Sephora kids: tween girls who have infiltrated cosmetics stores such as Sephora and Ulta, buying trendy and pricey skincare products showcased by influencers. These brands include Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, Laneige and Bubble. These products are largely unnecessary for young people, who are drawn in by the preppy, colorful packaging. Jennifer O’Brien, a mom and commenter for CNN, says that she understands the Sephora obsession: “It’s like an aspirational brand to them, similar to the Stanley tumblers craze. They see people using products from Sephora on social media. So it’s almost like a status symbol to buy products from there even if they don’t even know how to use them properly, but they can show their friends that they have them.” This influx of materialism has created the idea that the accumulation of trendy products equals fulfillment, which led to increased cases of CBD in later years.
Many components may cause CBD including mental health disorders, impulsivity, and self insecurity. Some of those afflicted by CBD use shopping as a dopamine hit when they believe they have no other outlets to relieve stress. Dopamine is a hormone that releases adrenaline, otherwise known as the “happy hormone.” In other cases of CBD, individuals compare their self-worth with their possessions. Someone struggling with CBD may frequently purchase unnecessary or overly expensive products. Their compulsive shopping habits lead to mounting debt and may cause them to lie about their unhealthy spending to friends and family.
Recovery from a shopping addiction is an important step to prioritize self-discipline over materialistic-related impulsivity. Tactics to overcome CBD include self-awareness before making purchases, sticking to budgets, limiting online shopping, and finding an alternative outlet for stress relief. In some cases, disorders such as severe anxiety and depression lead to compulsive buying. It is important to explore therapeutic options if one is struggling with CBD. This can help identify any underlying causes, allowing for more clarity while in the recovery process. Self-help books and support groups such as Debtors Anonymous can also be beneficial and provide those struggling with resources to overcome this addiction. With the right support, personal commitment, and guidance, recovery is achievable and there is hope for anyone who wants to initiate change.
