What are the signs of an online shopping addiction? – Yahoo News

Men entering credit card information using laptop computer keyboard. Online shopping concept

If you find yourself scrolling mindlessly on ASOS or Amazon on the sofa, you’re not alone.

Online shopping is beating the high street in the UK, with 51% of consumers saying they prefer to shop from the comfort of their home instead of at physical stores. A further 55% of consumers said they shop more online now than they did last year, on average buying something online six times a month.

With smarter devices and faster internet access, online shopping is far easier to access than it used to be.

And with so many deals on offer, it can be hard to resist treating yourself now and again. However, research suggests that being unable to stop buying things shouldn’t be taken lightly.

READ MORE: How to teach your children about the value of money

Research suggests that as many as one in 20 people in developed countries may suffer from shopping addiction, otherwise known as compulsive buying disorder. However, the issue isn’t always taken seriously, often being laughed off as the sign of a shop-a-holic instead. So how do you know if your online shopping habits are a problem or not?

According to the healthcare provider the Priory, compulsive shopping disorder – or oniomania – “is a socially and financially damaging psychological condition”.

READ MORE: How to know …….