Psychological Impact
Jada Herrera
“TikTok videos that encourage constantly purchasing new items not only drive overconsumption but also set a harmful standard for young people.”
A study was conducted to analyze the psychological effects of online shopping. While this study was derived from a large-scale sample from Turkey, the data concluded that online problematic shopping behavior has indicated low self-esteem, low self-regulation, and negative emotional state. The study also concluded that there is a difference in shopping behaviors between young women and older men that should be further researched, but for now, we are mostly focused on shopping patterns of young women. Becoming addicted to shopping is not rare and is becoming more common now that new products become trendy on TikTok every day. At Girls Greater Good, we want users to notice the signs and ask themselves if their purchases are a necessity. Everyone deserves a good splurge occasionally, but shopping in moderation is best for both the environment and us as individuals. So the next time you decide to buy something cute and trendy you saw online, reference the five questions created by Take Charge America
1) Do I need it?
First and foremost, determine if your prospective purchase fulfills a need or is simply something you want. If it fills a need, continue with the purchase (provided you can afford it). But if it’s just something you want, ask yourself these questions before you confirm the purchase.
2) What is the real cost?
Beyond the price tag, what will making this purchase cost you? Will it keep you from paying a bill or putting money away for savings? Can you pay cash or would you have to use a credit card? If you use credit, could you pay it off in the next month, or would it begin to accrue interest?
3) How long will it make me happy?
Often, the initial rush of excitement from making a purchase fades quickly. Be realistic about how long this purchase will make you happy. Does it have the potential to be something that provides long-term enjoyment, or is it simply a distraction until the next shiny object catches your eye?
4) What do I gain by buying this?
What are you hoping to gain from making the purchase? Are you looking for status or approval from others? Do you want it because someone you know has it? Or perhaps it’s something that will genuinely improve your quality of life. When you stop to think about the ‘why’ behind your purchasing decisions, you will start choosing more carefully.
5) Is there something else that can bring me joy?
Many times, buying something is a default response to stress, anger or boredom. Try to find other things that give you the same satisfied, joyful feeling as making a purchase. You’ll probably feel even better if you have a long talk with a friend, do something nice for someone else, or curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.
These questions provided by Take Charge America may seem a bit exaggerated when comparing them to buying something small you see online, but they are very helpful and may prevent you from buying items you don’t need. We often forget to put things into perspective and only focus on the now, but there may come a time in the near future where the harm of overconsumption becomes irreversible. We hope to prompt readers to reflect on their purchases beforehand so that there is no room for regret in the future.
Another aspect of building a future that we can be proud of is taking accountability. Social media is known for making individuals feel as if they’re in competition with each other; who has the nicest bag, shoes, clothes, etc. With this newfound craze on TikTok, comparisons to others are at an all-time high. Whatever is currently trending, users rush to buy it just to feel a sense of validation and inclusion on what’s hot at the moment. Here at Girls Greater Good, we want to emphasize that you do NOT need materialistic things to feel good about yourself. If anything, you won’t feel good about yourself when you realize the damage online shopping can cause to the environment if the products aren’t ethically made.
We’d never put anyone down for shopping nor make anyone feel guilty! Social media can be a great outlet for creators to promote their products. Shopping for validation from others, however, can get out of hand if not managed properly. It’s important to remember that objects do not define you, and you don’t have to fit a certain aesthetic just because it’s trending online. Social media already sets a harmful standard for young people, so adding TikTok shop ads to every other video only makes matters worse.