How Can Instagram Ads Contribute to Shopping Addictions?

Guys. Help! I can’t stop online shopping. Yes, I should’ve been cast in Confessions of a Shopaholic, and I have so much Old Navy super cash I can’t even count it. That brings us to the first world problem of…Instagram Ads and us fools who feel the need to click purchase! Do I need crocodile brown leather boots? Well, no…but what if the opportunity arises and I really need them? Or the fuzzy camo jacket I just bought? (That I won't ever wear more than once) The point is, the Instagram Ads know exactly when I need something and that I’m definitely going to click the link.

If something is on sale or a good deal, you bet your sweet ass I’m buying it. Some things are just necessity, like the Norway fur coat I need. However, I’ve gotten better about my online shopping I’d like to say! I used to surf on ASOS for the website to tell me what I needed. Now, I will think “I need a long leather trench coat,” and adapt accordingly. Where am I wearing these pieces, you ask? Great question! Hopefully the coats and I get invited somewhere good. And yes, I do need that pair of 4-inch heeled boots—despite having kankles and not being able to walk in heels. Next question!

I think sometimes I buy things in fear of not having the perfect ‘fit when I go out, but other times it’s just to fill some void. I’ve gotten better with asking myself “are you really going to wear this more than once?” And if I have something I’ve only worn once during a season- she’s going to Plato’s Closet! It’s hard though. We live in a world of quick, easy clicking to purchase whatever we want. And now that phones listen to us (my NSA agent better be a simp for me), it’s more tailored to our liking. The immense self-control needed is much more than you’d think! I always try to ground myself and remind myself that if it’s an impulsive want—then I probably won’t end up wearing it. But a piece like my black leather jacket (Danny Zuko vibes), is something I wear all the time. And my blazer coat from Zara, I get a lot of use out of too. Things like that are great investments, versus some fur coat I’ll probably wear on a date once to ruin a man’s life, then it’ll hibernate in my closet forever.

Let’s dig deeper into this. Compulsive spending - which is also known as oniomania, shopping addiction and pathological buying - is when a person feels an uncontrollable need to shop and spend, either for themselves or others. (Roberts, 2024). (Hi is this song about me?) In all seriousness, it is a real condition and a real addiction battle. It’s a fun way to avoid emotions like boredom, sadness, or anxiety. It lets you escape and boost your mood for a while. Shopping allows you to be temporarily distracted from trauma, memories, and a way to cope with life’s problems. With this kind of addiction, the same issues are at play as with drugs or alcohol. Financial strains, decreasingly poor mental health, and rocky relationships. It’s the same as when a drug addict hides their actions or drugs, except with compulsive spenders, they’re hiding their purchases or receipts. They feel the lack of control and it holds so much secrecy.

If you tie this back into our society, ‘meme culture’ has made us feel like this shopping

obsession is okay. Taglines like ‘treat yourself’ or ‘getting myself a little treat!” have rid all the responsibility from us. Trust me, I do the same thing. Well, it’s fine because I’ve been good with spending! Or I need this new phone! The excuses are endless and its society’s way of making us feel like it’s normal to spend copious amounts. Sure, buying yourself a treat will temporarily mute pain or sadness, but in the long run it can lead to worsening mental health. And an empty wallet! It’s what we call an unhealthy coping tool, and these things often get worse until you acknowledge the issue at hand.

All this is to say, that it’s a dangerous battle of us vs the Instagram shopping Ads, but

sometimes it more than that. Help is out there, the SAMSHA helpline, therapy, or talking to loved ones can help. For me, intentional shopping has been helpful. Obviously, I’m still a work in progress (if you see 97 Amazon packages outside my door…MYOB!), but it’s a journey that comes with time. Reminding myself of what I will wear versus what is just a want. I’m trying to be more aligned with my purpose in general in life, especially with spending. Acknowledging the idea of…maybe I’m spending or shopping too much is the first step! Asking parents and loved ones to keep me accountable and trying to be more frugal with money. I’m trying to be more proactive about not spending for fun and making sure I’m saving money for what I do want—a 3 day stay in Killington (always). Addiction is a real thing—whether it be shopping or gambling or sex, etc. It’s hard to admit or come to terms with, but help is out there. And maybe it's time as a society, we start acknowledging the consumer behaviors. How easy it is to click purchase, and when it becomes out of control or impulsive.

I'll continue holding myself accountable. Especially with the holidays and ski season coming up. My wallet needs a child proof lock! Stay tuned if anything else unnecessary shows up on my doorstep...

 Love,

Charty

*Websites for more information/support:

• Compulsive shopping and spending – a sign of shopping addiction? - Priory (priorygroup.com)

• Risky Business: Compulsive Buying | Mental Health America

• Compulsive Buying Disorder: When Shopping Addiction Becomes a Problem - Black Bear Lodge