I found an interesting article discussing about people addicted to ebay:
EBay was founded in 1995. Ever since then it has been known as the world’s largest, virtual flea market. This website allows users to search for whatever objects they would like to have and place a bid in hopes of obtaining their desired object. A website that offers thousands and thousands of items seem like an amazing feature to any person. However; the amazement of eBay has also develop a new form of shopping addiction for individuals. According to Jim Griffith, a worker for eBay, the typically eBay-obsessed person, he said, “tends to be someone who likes to shop, loves to hunt and loves the treasure-hunt aspect to shopping.” The internet auction house has traditionally been a place to find junks of all kinds. People become addicted to the thrill of finding a nostalgic item of their past or the thrill of bidding against other people. Although the idea of shopping and bidding seems harmless enough, Dr. Kimberly Young, director of the Center for Online Addiction, believes that “there are a growing number of eBay addicts.” Her patients would come visit her and tell her that couples have lied to their spouse about how much they spend on eBay. Even go as far as taking money out of the 401(k) fund without telling the spouse. Some people even dip into their retirement and children’s college funds or take out a second mortgage to support their eBay addiction. Ebay still is a great tool for achieving random items, but just like any other form of addiction. Some people just need their fix on eBay.Chris Childs
I think people who are shopping addicted will act the same way no matter where they are. Inside themselves, the habit of wanting to own everything they like and cheap has already existed. So, when they find their favorite stuffs on Ebay at a lower price, they are willing to pay for it. If another place or website that sells good deals appear, sure they will visit and become addicted again. Therefore, it is able to understand why Ebay addiction became to an issue. However, from what reasons have people turned out to be addicted to shopping?
ReplyDeleteI think that Ebay can definitely be used as another outlet for shopping addiction. Plus, unlike other shopping sites where you simply buy a product, buying items on Ebay gives you a rush of satisfaction knowing you beat everyone else. Also, you can get hooked on that competition where you have to buy a product that you don't even need just to beat others bidding on it.
ReplyDeleteI can see how people become addicted to shopping on ebay, its so convenient and easy. Its just so sad how people allow it to have so much control over them that they start lying to their spouse and stealing from their children. This just shows how negatively this can affect peoples lives
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to see why people could become addicted to a shopping site like eBay. If you can become addicted to the internet and can become addicted to shopping, it only makes sense that there are people addicted to shopping on the internet. And eBay provides the thrill of getting either a rare item, a steal on an item, or, like CarolineF put it, the "rush of satisfaction" from having beat others in the bidding competition. Not to mention, it's accessible all hours of the day, so people are able to spend even more amounts of time pursuing their addiction, likely only worsening it.
ReplyDeleteThe people that are addicted to ebay are probably the new generation of addicted home shopping network persons who have addictions to shopping for stuff that they usually don't need. It is essentially a hobby for them.
ReplyDeleteAnything that gives a person a thrill and makes them feel good can cause addiction. Think about how many things people are addicted to today. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping the list is endless so does it surprise me that eBay has become a newer addiction of society, not at all.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to see how shopping on Ebay can get out of control. With unlimited products, at sometimes unbeatable prices and at the speed and ease of use, Ebay has become the first stop when it comes to shopping. However I think Ebay could do a better job of bringing shopping addiction up and giving users an option to seek help.
ReplyDeleteI can easily understand why eBay is regarded to be an addiction to some consumers. The large assortment of products, in addition to below retail prices are some reasons why eBay is so appealing to some people. Not to mention you can shop on eBay 24 hours a day 365 days a year. When you look at what all eBay has to offer it throughly explains as to why it has evolved into such a popular online marketplace.
ReplyDeleteJust like HSN people can become addicted to ebay as well. In their minds I believe when they see the lower prices and bids they get excited knowing the original prices in the stores. I believe that most people with shopping addictions means well but does not know how to control it.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is guilty as charged. I love ebay, I have bought thousands and thousand of stupid stuff, and have sold just about the same. I think I am about to sell something else just to get the thrill.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty for finding it exciting bidding on things on ebay and getting into a bidding war to the point where I go in with a strategy. I don't believe I am at the point of being addicted but I can definitely understand how it is possible. Shopping online can definitely be addicting because the convenience of the shopping without the face to face interaction. Also, its hard to feel bad spending when you are only entering in numbers and clicking to make a purchase rather than physically seeing and feeling money leave your hands.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ridiculous how some people become addicted to online shopping and trying to out bid the next person and to go as far as to take money out of your 401 k or even go into your child's college savings or your own retirement fund is outrageous. From what Mr. Griffin and Dr. Young have said these types of people need to seek help and people first starting out on eBay need to monitor themselves and be careful about bidding.
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