What is compulsive buying and how does it differ from excessive consumption?

Compulsive buying, also known as shopping addiction, goes beyond excessive consumption. It is considered a behavior in which a person loses control over their buying habits, feeling a compelling emotional need to make purchases, which can lead to feelings of guilt or discomfort afterward. Unlike excessive consumption, which can be occasional or sporadic, compulsive buying involves regularity and an emotional connection to the act of buying, making it a response to internal emotions such as anxiety or emotional emptiness.

This behavior is exacerbated in environments where consumption is seen as a symbol of success or well-being, a trend fueled by marketing strategies, easy credit, and the constant availability of online platforms that eliminate rational barriers and encourage impulse buying. This cycle of impulse and guilt is similar to that of other behavioral addictions.