A study in the United Kingdom calculates that 1 in 10 British adults buy clothes online, snap a photo with the clothes on and then return them. According to statistics Canada, 75 percent of internet users window-shopped online or browsed goods without placing an order.
John Tzavelas, Intern Psychotherapist in London explains one of the reasons people do this.
“I believe social media is created to allow us to have power over our own narrative in how people see us, and that it is easy to manipulate. I think we tend to project this person of who we are on social media, or even in life because a lot of the time that’s what we dream who we want to be and we believe people would accept us and love us more.”
Social media users have expressed that they love luxurious stores because of the smell, lighting and friendly helpers and sometimes even feels like they are in a spa when they get offered drinks.
“Shopping is fun and I get that. I also think there is an addiction out there for fantasy shopping, but returning things is when it becomes a problem and it is easy to judge. It is important to talk about that subject with each individual and not just through judgment and criticism,” adds Tzavelas.
“I totally understand that people cant afford it, but still want to look rich and expensive and I feel it is totally fine if other girls do it,” says Gwen Fallon from London.
Surprisingly, it is men who are more socially self-conscious. That’s according to a survey done by the credit card company Barclaycard, where 15 percent of men admitted wearing clothes with tags in case they want to return them. The ladies made up 11 percent.
“It kind of comes across as immature. The fact that you have to perceive yourself as something your are not, living outside of your social class and flexing money that you dont have is pointless,” says Josh Moore from London.
In the same survey, it was found that people between 35 to 44 years old were the ones buying online, snapping, and returning. Intern psychotherapist John Tzavelas adds that self esteem can be another reason of doing so. He recommends a lot of self care, such as taking a relaxing bath, lighting candles, and preparing maybe your favourite meal while enjoying time with friends to build your self esteem.
