One in five people (21 percent) in Austria are at risk of shopping addiction (compensatory and addictive behavior). Women, young people under 30 and people with a low level of education are particularly at risk. Online shopping and paying with plastic cards fuel the shopping frenzy even further.
The Internet is becoming a downfall for people at risk of shopping addiction*. They buy more often and more than they want. 13 percent of respondents indicate that they shop online at least once a week, a quarter buys several times a month and just over a fifth several times a quarter.
Why is that? Because it’s anonymous. Influencers also ensure that young people want certain products, which they offer in their videos but do not label as advertising.
Collect plastic money and credit
People who often pay without cash are at greater risk of shopping addiction than people who only do so occasionally or never. People with an installment loan are also affected more often.
More than half of respondents who took out an installment loan in the past year are at risk of a shopping addiction, of which 28 percent are addicted and almost a quarter are at risk of a shopping addiction.
Shopaholics are looking for a thrill
“Buying is not based on needs and financial resources. Buying is central and is usually a substitute to compensate for loneliness or lack of self-esteem – at least in the short term. And that often results in excessive debt burdens and social isolation,” says the Chamber of Labor. “There is particularly great social pressure for young people to ‘buy’ a place in society through consumption.”
*Survey conducted by the Gallup Institute in February 2023 on behalf of the AK among 1,000 Austrians
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
