bbc.com
Shopping Addiction: A Growing Problem Fueled by Social Media
Shopping addiction, or oniomania, is affecting an estimated 10% of adults, fueled by social media and online retail, with sufferers calling for more NHS support and a formal diagnosis.
- What is the impact of the rise in shopping addiction, particularly its connection to social media and online retail?
- Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder or oniomania, causes uncontrollable shopping despite negative consequences. A recent study suggests it may affect 10% of adults, up from 5% before the pandemic. This increase highlights the need for greater awareness and support.
- How do the experiences of individuals struggling with shopping addiction highlight the need for improved NHS resources and recognition of this condition?
- Social media significantly fuels shopping addiction, normalizing excessive purchasing and creating a constant stream of desirable products. The rise in online retail and targeted digital advertising, spending £8.87bn last year, exacerbates this issue, mirroring tactics used by the gambling industry to maintain user engagement. This suggests a systemic problem requiring comprehensive solutions.
- What are the systemic factors contributing to the increase in shopping addiction, and what strategies can be implemented to address this growing problem?
- The lack of formal diagnosis for shopping addiction hinders its recognition and treatment. Experts believe it's a behavioral addiction linked to mood or obsessive-compulsive disorders, but a formal diagnosis is still 2-3 years away. This delay in official recognition limits access to effective NHS support and coping strategies, leaving many struggling without adequate help.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely sympathetic to those struggling with shopping addiction. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately establish the seriousness of the problem and the suffering of those affected. While this is impactful, it might unintentionally overshadow the complexity of the issue and the different viewpoints on its classification and treatment. The use of emotionally charged language (e.g., "emotional drowning," "cupboard of doom") further enhances this framing.
Language Bias
The article uses some emotionally charged language, such as "emotional drowning" and "cupboard of doom." While these phrases effectively convey the emotional distress experienced by individuals, they might be considered somewhat sensationalistic. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as "overwhelming feelings" and "significant accumulation of items." The repeated use of the term "addiction" might be perceived as implicitly pathologizing behavior that could fall under different diagnostic categories.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of individuals struggling with shopping addiction, offering a compelling narrative. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from experts in the retail industry or advertising, to offer a more balanced view of the factors contributing to this issue. The article also omits discussion of potential preventative measures or public health campaigns aimed at reducing shopping addiction.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative mental health impacts of shopping addiction, including feelings of guilt, shame, development of eating disorders, and overall impact on well-being. The lack of widespread recognition and support for this addiction further hinders mental health.