Is Online Shopping a Blessing or a Curse?
Shopping online has evolved massively in the last 20 years, especially with the likes of Amazon making a matter of 2 or 3 clicks and next-day shopping, so they’ve completely transformed the online shopping game and experience, which makes it so much more tempting to the user to shop online.
I also think ever since COVID-19 happened, this has had a huge impact on how people feel towards online shopping because that has forced people to get used to the idea of getting their things online but they’ve begun to enjoy it and accepted the fact they may need to wait a day or two for it as it’s a lot less effort to getting the items you want.
This brings the topic of discussion to mind: is online shopping a blessing or a curse?
A Blessing
The perks of online shopping are as follows:
Convenience
It’s extremely convenient to online shop as you can do it without time limitations, especially when stores are sometimes only open till just after you’ve finished work so you’re limited to just the weekend, which makes it hard to get things before certain days and times.
Choice
With online shopping, you have access to anything and everything; all you need to do is type it in the search bar and you will likely come across several types of the same thing, which allows you to be meticulous with your decisions.
This can allow you to compare prices with different vendors so much easily, so overall you are getting the best value for money.
Influencers
You have access to follow and get inspiration from individuals you admire; while they might make you think you need things, which we will get into later, they can introduce you to so many brands and items that may add some value to your life.
Ratings and Reviews
The best thing about online shopping is that you can read about people’s opinions on the product or service, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. It’s a great way to save your money and be rid of disappointment.
International Shipping
With online shopping, you get to buy products from all over the world, whether it’s Italy, Australia, or America and it’s a very streamlined process, so while you think you might think it would take ages to come, it’s amazing how little time you have to wait for things to come from so far away.
A Curse
Too Accessible
What I mean by that is that because it’s so easy to shop, it can definitely become a problem where you are spending your income online, using up your credit card balance and begin a steady slope into debt.
This is a very dangerous game, and I have been guilty of buying things just because I saw it online.
It wasn’t something I needed or even knew about, but the way that the internet is now, it’s just a hub of `advertisements and brands trying to get you to buy their products.
Influencers
As mentioned about influencers, they can be a great help with your online shopping decisions; however, their lifestyles are unrealistic to the general person, which make up 90% of their following.
This can have negative impacts on people’s spending habits online, as they may be left feeling insecure and then feel pushed to buy things to also be seen as ‘cool’.
Too Much Choice
There is so much choice online, which can be overwhelming and a stressful place to shop for things you are in need of.
I find this when you are looking for clothes or a mens hoodies sales which can be extremely stressful and a waste of time.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to dislike the world of online shopping right now due to its overall convenience and accessibility.
However, it’s important that you find ways to overcome the negative such as removing influencers that are constantly trying to sell you things, refining your searches and monitoring your spending on these platforms.
I would recommend setting a time limit on your phone but also a monthly spending limit on things that aren’t necessary.
I have been guilty of overstretching myself but with dedication and being strenuous with your online time, you won’t overdo it and get the curse side of the online shopping experience.
Category: Online Shopping
