THE CLICK THAT KILLS: how online shopping gives us that HIT š®āšØ
- Amelia (25-E3)
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Written by: Amelia (25-E3)
Designed by: Kayden (26-E6)
When my cupboard collapsed for the fifth time, I knew it was confirmed. I was a woman crazed and driven solely by my shopping addiction. The feeling of running my hands over vintage leatherĀ and ripping open the next package after hearing the sweet chime of my doorbell ringing, filled me with hunger. A hunger that left me scouring the internet for hours on end, and one that left me begging my parents for advance allowance the next dayā¦ I was addicted to shopping.Ā
Unable to open my wardrobe because everything would fall outā¦Ā
While online shopping and its negative repercussions have been no subject of mystery to Singaporeans, our tendency to shop compulsively has genuinely become a widespread problem before any of us have even started to realise or address it.Ā
But how exactly can shopping!!! of all things, even be considered an addiction? We hear countless jokes about it in the media and some of us may even think of it rather lightheartedly. The taobao haul you purchased before WA1 could have actually been a hint! It is in human nature to want to collect beautiful things, whether it be collectibles related to our hobbies, or things like jewellery and clothing. The compulsive urge to purchase something when we are in a rough patch could easily become a habit, and lead to eventual addiction. While the likelihood of recovery, fatality rate, etc. from a shopping addiction are much lower in comparison to other addictions, the compulsion to shop is an addiction that is much more likely to affect Singaporeans.Ā
Dopamine is a hormone that is vital for our survival. Biologically, it used to be the part ofĀ neurological systems that motivated us to hunt and forage, seek shelter, and fight for our survival. However, modern day humans no longer have to engage in these survival tactics, and are left with other activities. Activities that can leave us with the euphoric loss of inhibition and excitement can drive this hit, the inexplicable high that leaves us wanting moreā¦ and our brains just can't get enough. However, most of such available dopamine hits, like drugs, alcohol, are vices that Singaporeans cannot legallyĀ gain easy access to. But the human spirit is unrelentlessā¦ and thus, thumb twiddling Singaporeans are left to choose from a small selection of toys: their bank accounts and shopping sites. Unlike the discreet and hushed dealings between addicts of other vices, our addiction hides in plain sight: SHOPPING!!!Ā
Contrary to popular belief, dopamine is not actually released after obtaining pleasure, but actually in anticipation of a reward. The initial high decreases with repetition, and that makes us crave the experience all over again. This makes shopping an especially pleasurable vice. The palpitation of your heart as you track your taobao package from Shenzhen.. to Guangzhouā¦ and finally to your local Singpostā¦ it is no coincidence. Ā Simply put, shopping triggers our hunting instincts. Simply lying in wait, anticipating the sweet release that washes over us as our claws tear through layers of clear tape, cardboard, bubble wrap, polyethylene bag, before uncovering the juicy meat that awaits!Ā
But as the anticipation and excitement fades, our bodies are filled with an unsettlig feeling of restless longing again, and we can't help but click open that cart again. This is how easily we can fall into addiction.Ā
The gross monetary value of the E- commerce market ( which is the total monetary value of all products sold on e-commerce platformsĀ in Singapore)Ā has hit the record breaking number ofĀ 7.5 billionĀ as of 2025, and this number is projected to and has only continued to grow. According to GROW with Singlife, the average Singaporean e-commerce user spends roughly a whopping 1,800 SGD on e-commerce platforms annually.Ā
As large as this number is, some may still argue that it is not inherently wrong to spend your own money. While I do not disagree with this sentiment, it is not the act of spending that I disagree with, but rather, the seeming lack of financial responsibility that remains a valid concern as the world faces a massive overconsumption problem. The fashion industry contributes to around 10% of global greenhouse emissions, and for every 5 clothing items bought, 3 end up in a landfill. And this is further proved by the approximately 92 million tonnes (92000000000 KG)Ā of textile waste produced yearly.Ā
Apart from these concerning numbers, the fast fashion industry employs around 60 million factory workers worldwide, and among these marginalised groups, not evenĀ 2% earn a suitable living wage, and work in abusive, dangerous environments, gruelling away for hours just to produce the latest teal polka dot lace grommet y2k japanese denim statement piece!Ā
But why is it wrong to spend our hard earned money?Ā Ā
Besides the clear environmental and financial repercussions of compulsive shopping, one of the main problems with developing a shopping addiction, is how it affects our self esteem and worldview. Many simply view shopping as āretail therapyā or a way to comfort themselves during hard times. Of course, if done in moderation, it can most definitely act as an outlet for people, but when excessive, an end up becoming the only outlet or āescapeā for those dealing with discomfort due to a variety of problems one may face. This can eventually lead to addiction and a drop in self esteem, as one may begin to view their material possessions as their only defining characteristic.Ā Ā
In countries like South Korea, which, much like Singapore, boasts a low crime rate, with citizens having limited access and exposure to drugs, the nearest available vices: alcoholism and shopping addictions are rampant among the population. ( South Korea ranks 6th in the world for alcoholism, and between March 2024 and February 2025, recorded a spending of 58 Billion USD on fashion products. ) This is a prime example of how compulsive shopping, driven by lookism and elitism, can have a larger detrimental societal impact. As of May 2026, South Koreaās national debt has reachedĀ 878 Billion USD, which makes up about half of the countryās total GDP.Ā This is ultimately the result of the pursuit of material possessions.Ā
While I do not condemn the purchase of items in general, as I, too, share a deep love for the collection of beautiful craftsmanship and archival goods, I still believe in actually thinking deeply before going through with our purchases, as our temporary happiness may have much more serious repercussions on marginalised groups, the environment, and most of all, ourselves.Ā Ā
At the end of the day, chasing the latest trends and not being mindful in the way we consume may lead to societal disillusionment, and distracts us from more wholesome and fulfilling activities that can enrich us.Ā
The lessonĀ
You may think that you are simply not part of the problem, but how many tops in your closet have sat idle for over a year? How many purchases have been left forgotten after the first few exhilarating uses? Despite a lack of accountability taken by the Singaporean population, the numbers speak for themselves. With that being said, I do have a depop cart to check out before my sale ends in 17 hoursā¦. Cheers to vintage shopping (in moderation!)Ā
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