Experts warn of shopping addiction and impulsive consumer habits

Experts are highlighting the psychological and financial risks associated with shopping addiction, also known as ‘oniomania’. Clinical Psychologist Emine Akın Aytop notes that this condition typically emerges during late adolescence or the early 20s. It is characterized by a loss of control over purchasing behaviors despite negative consequences and can be linked to other psychological disorders.

In addition to compulsive buying, experts point to a trend of purchasing items based on idealized future versions of oneself rather than current needs. Common unused household items include exercise equipment, power tools, and kitchen appliances. Clinical Psychologist Sedat Tanış observes that consumers often justify these purchases with thoughts like ‘it will definitely be useful one day,’ leading to cluttered homes and psychological burdens. The growth of second-hand markets suggests an increasing trend in reintroducing these underutilized goods into the economy.