Stock market investment risks turning into behavioral addiction

Mental health expert Associate Professor Dr. Taha Can Tuman has highlighted the distinction between long-term investment and behavioral addiction in the stock market. While investing is intended to be a process based on patience, information, and analysis, it can transition into addiction when an individual loses control.

Key warning signs of addiction include a constant need to monitor markets, an expectation of rapid high rewards, and feeling restless when unable to trade. Dr. Tuman noted that the 24/7 accessibility of investment tools via smartphones increases this risk.

A critical indicator is the attempt to compensate for financial losses by taking even higher risks or borrowing money to trade, often driven by cognitive distortions such as the belief that one must win back what was lost. Such behaviors can ultimately impact an individual's family life and professional career.