The present generation is unexplainably amazing. Modernization made everybody's life easier. One of that are the many benefits of online shopping.
But being addicted to online shopping itself is another thing to talk about. This behavior should be acknowledged as an actual mental disorder.
In fact, psychotherapists have argued about this matter.
Most of the experts believe that they can identify discrete symptoms and characteristics of the condition and define how it affects the mind.
'Buying-shopping disorder' (BSD) has been named for decades but specialists stated that the disorder is acquiring new meaning considering the age of the internet is now sensational. Online shopping addiction now affects one in 20 people.
This may seem overreacting but due to the hassle-free transaction online many customers are getting obsessed with spending online. This happens, especially when there is free shipping or payment upon delivery is offered. The online shoppers may end up hoarding the things they order, ordering everything they want not what they really need, end up in debt, misunderstanding with loved ones and completely losing self-control. Any age and gender can be affected.
The internet has made shopping not only convenient but more relatively took care of the buyers' privacy. Everyone can buy whatever he wants, as long as available on the internet, without being judged by many people. Availability, comparability, affordability, and accessibility can be checked simply by browsing.
Many online shops are working 24 hours a day. They are programmed to cater everyone who wants to buy from other countries. Anyone can buy things without the hassle of facing a vendor or carrying the items down the street. All aspects can be decided out of your own discretion. People are mostly attracted to online shopping sites like Amazon because they can instantly filter the results based on their budget and standards.
But Dr. Müller and his team say this only means even the younger generations are starting to show signs of buying-shopping disorder.
Today, BSD is not yet classified as a firm disorder rather it is categorized as 'other specified impulse control disorder'.
We may not know what can happen in the near future. Will the new technology do good or bad to most of the people?
As of the moment it is affecting five per cent of the population and having harmful mental effects would mean it deserves more close attention.
Buying-shopping disorder can cause series of extreme desire to satisfy one's cravings for buying things while spending money even unnecessary.
This can then lead to serious problem of self-control, restlessness, other psychiatric problems, relationship complications, physical mess and debt.
The experts are hoping that a future research focusing on the said issue must be done. New discoveries have threats shadowing its success. Addictive online shopping seems fully sugar-coated but the salty part can only be tasted in the end. Everything associated with buying-shopping disorder must be studied for the purpose of treatment and prevention.
