Online shopping has become a big part of our life, it has exceeded ten years. For some people, it is a game-changer; They buy everything online from grocery items to gifts. For others, this is just a bar, and they still enjoy visiting shops and browsing in the person.

Certainly, something satisfactory about online shopping. Looks a little less? Just scroll through the endless list of things you did not need.

For many people, online shopping has become another nature. They are in a hurry to hit ‘connecting the cart’ online, but when it comes to spending in a physical store, they suddenly think twice. Can this habit say anything about their behavior or their mental health?

When online shopping becomes the first choice

“Buying something gives us importance, promotes a dopamine. But when that boost requires effort to grow, such as going out, finding a store, talking to a seller, and dealing with traffic or parking, weighs the reward against the effort and is often not worth it,” Dr. Sarathak Dave, an Ahmedabad-based psychiatry tells. Today India,

He says that online shopping, however, provides the same dopamine kick with minimal effort; Not leaving home, no social contact, no problem. Therefore, naturally, when the reward is the same, but the effort is less, our brain prefers the easy path.

In addition, Dr. Rahul Chandok, Senior Advisor and Head, Psychiatry, Artemis Light, New Delhi, explains that online shopping provides you more privacy, control and convenience than shopping in stores.

“People can shop without any kind of purchase, to talk to others, or to be on a schedule.

What is behind the habit?

For the vast majority, this behavior reflects a basic human tendency towards laziness, as our brain is given wires to take maximum reward with minimal effort. But in some cases, Dr. According to Dave, it can also point to the underlying psychological conditions.

For example, social anxiety may motivate people to avoid public places and interactions. Binding procurement disorders include an uncontrollable urge to shop, often as a way to deal with stress. Similarly, it can also be a symptom of clinical depression in which online shopping can present a brief moment of relief or pleasure.

Dr. Chandok agrees that people who work in this way have often deep psychological needs, such as feeling in control, avoiding social pressure or taking less decisions.

“Some people may feel a bit worried publicly, making it difficult to personally shop. It is good for their mental health to be able to make decisions about buying online. It shows that someone is using a way to deal with stress, much excitement, not they do not spend money,” they said.

Meanwhile, Dr. According to Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson, Psychiatry, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, people who like online shopping prefer facilities, time and monetary skills.

The doctor said, “Some are introverted and prefer solitary activity. This also means that people are getting more technology-loving and value-conscious. Some are expanded-oriented and enjoy research,” the doctor said.

Retail therapy with a side of refusal

When we make shopping online, spending money can feel a little … unreal. Some taps, and this has been done, no cash was exchanged, no strange swipe in checkouts. So, can it be that some people like to shop online because it helps hide the crime of spending? After all, when you are at a store, it seems more real by physically handing over cash or your card, and this reality may come up with a side of crime.

“Certainly, online shopping is an anonymous experience with immediate response and lack of social interaction. However, sometimes it seems that people go on a purchase competition, which is not their original intention. Such large expenses can inspire guilt. It is especially common with credit card holders,” Dr. Mehta shares.

Dr. Chandok also suggests that when you shop online, it may feel less real. There is no immediate exchange of money or physical contact, which can reduce the emotional effect of purchase.

“For some, it helps them to avoid feeling guilty about spending money publicly. It seems more private and different, which helps them mentally. This disconnect between what you do and whatever happens may make you feel better for a while, but it can cause financial stress hidden over time,” he says.

Fear of doing justice

When it comes to online shopping, there is a feeling of rest. Control, privacy and personalization can make you feel safe, and you can scroll without any way, compare prices, and choose what you want.

Dr. Chandok says that online shopping can help to feel somewhat less self-conscious, especially if they are judged in shops based on their looks, options or budget.

He says, “It can be good not to be to deal with social pressure. But this behavior is not always based on the fear of justice.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Dave feels that there is a fear of decision if the person feels guilty of doing it. And if shopping is his guilty pleasure, the online shopping app is their place because it is very personal, and no one can find out what and how much they are shopping and therefore there is no decision.

Deep excavation

Choosing online shopping instead of going to shops can indicate something deepening, although it is not always the case.

Dr. Mehta explains, “People who do not go to the store because they are very worried or have less self -respect, or those who shop online to avoid their feelings may cost social anxiety, depression or binding expenses,” Dr. Mehta says.

In addition, when spending becomes a way to numb emotions or avoid real life problems, it is worth stopping to detect feelings behind it. Understanding ‘Why’ can be a big difference in both your mental and financial well -being.

Now, Dr. According to Dave, life goes on very fast these days. Half a day, or even a complete one, can feel tired for exit, to deal with traffic, and physically shopping. So when there is a more convenient option that allows you to do the same thing with just a few clicks, it is only natural that people go for it.

But excessive online shopping can sometimes point to things like social anxiety or binding shopping habits. Or it can just be a lifestyle choice. But one thing is clear: As these features increase, our physical activity and the social interaction of the real world are shrinking.
And this slow fall is quietly opening the door to both physical and mental health issues-because movement, face to face connections, and everyday activity are basic human needs that we cannot ignore.

Last checkout

At the end of the day, online shopping is not enemy, it is a reflection of how our lives, habits and priorities are changing. For some, it is an accessory tool; For others, it may be an indication to slow down and investigate with itself.

Whether it is about saving time, feeling better, or something deep, what really matters is looking for balance. As life becomes more digital, we should not forget the value of real-world connection, remain active and exist. After all, everything we need can actually be purchased online.