Psychological and technological consumer trends

Discussions regarding consumer behavior have focused on the psychological aspects of shopping and the impact of new retail technologies.

Experts have identified shopping addiction as an impulse control disorder, noting that individuals may use shopping for emotional regulation to manage stress or loneliness. This behavior is often characterized by a loss of control and significant personal distress.

In response to these psychological drivers, new trends have emerged, such as ‘dopamine shops’ in South Korea. These platforms allow users to simulate the online shopping process—including scrolling and adding items to carts—without completing actual transactions, which experts suggest may help satisfy the desire for the shopping experience without financial cost.

Additionally, the integration of technology in physical retail has shown significant behavioral shifts. A study of a German supermarket chain found that customers using ‘Smart Carts’ spent an average of 32 percent more and purchased 25 percent more items than non-users, though researchers noted that correlation does not definitively prove the technology causes increased expenditure.