Vampire shoppers - 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of *6 Minute English*, Neil and Rob explore the concept of 'vampire shopping'—shopping late at night when people are sleep-deprived. They discuss the psychological effects of insomnia and mental health issues on impulse buying, and how these factors make it harder to resist online shopping. Helen Undy, from the Money and Mental Health Institute, shares insights on the link between mental health and poor spending control. The hosts reflect on personal experiences with regret after impulsive purchases and conclude with a discussion of key vocabulary, including 'insomniac,' 'regret,' and 'resist the urge.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Vampire shopping refers to shopping late at night, especially when people are sleep-deprived or lonely.
• 😀 Sleep deprivation can make it harder to resist the urge to shop online, leading to impulsive purchases.
• 😀 People with mental health issues are particularly vulnerable to the temptation of late-night shopping due to sleep problems and emotional challenges.
• 😀 The term 'getting sucked into something' means being drawn into something against your will or judgment, like late-night shopping.
• 😀 Shopping online can feel comforting, especially when someone is alone or seeking a quick emotional boost.
• 😀 Regret often follows impulsive purchases, particularly when people realize they didn't really need or want the item.
• 😀 A significant number of people (75%) don't return items they regret buying, with mental health struggles making the return process even harder for some.
• 😀 The UK's online retail sales increased dramatically in 2018, with 19.8% of all retail sales happening online by the end of the year.
• 😀 Sleep deprivation is linked to poorer decision-making, including shopping choices, due to diminished self-control.
• 😀 Vocabulary discussed includes: 'insomniac' (someone who struggles to sleep), 'resist the urge' (to control impulses), and 'feel-good factor' (the happiness or comfort derived from an action).

Q & A

What is 'vampire shopping' and how is it related to sleep deprivation?

'Vampire shopping' refers to shopping late at night, a time typically associated with vampires. It is linked to sleep deprivation because people who are sleep-deprived, such as insomniacs or those with mental health issues, may be more likely to engage in impulsive online shopping during late hours when they are tired and less able to make rational decisions.

How does sleep deprivation affect our shopping behavior?

When we are sleep-deprived, we find it harder to resist the urge to shop, as our ability to control impulses is reduced. This can lead to unwise purchasing decisions, often driven by the ease of online shopping and the influence of advertising.

What role does mental health play in 'vampire shopping'?

Mental health problems can make it more difficult for people to resist the urge to spend, particularly when they are sleep-deprived. The combination of mental health issues and lack of sleep makes it harder to control impulses, leading to unplanned online shopping, which can provide temporary comfort.

Why do some people regret their online purchases?

People may regret their online purchases because they made them impulsively, often when tired or influenced by advertising. Additionally, after the initial excitement of buying something fades, they may realize that they didn't truly need or want the item.

What challenge do people face when trying to return items they regret buying?

Returning items can be challenging due to feelings of shame or embarrassment, particularly for people with mental health issues. In some cases, they may avoid returning items because they are ashamed of their purchases and prefer to pretend that they never happened.

What percentage of retail sales took place online at the end of 2018?

At the end of 2018, 19.8% of all retail sales took place online, according to the UK's Office for National Statistics.

What is the definition of 'insomniac'?

An insomniac is a person who suffers from insomnia, meaning they have difficulty sleeping easily or consistently.

What does the phrase 'get sucked into something' mean?

'Get sucked into something' means to become involuntarily involved in an activity or situation that you didn't intend to engage in, often without realizing how deeply you’re getting involved.

What is meant by the term 'resist the urge'?

To 'resist the urge' means to stop yourself from acting on a strong feeling or impulse to do something, such as the impulse to make an unnecessary purchase while online shopping.

What is the 'feel-good factor' in relation to shopping?

The 'feel-good factor' refers to the positive emotional effect or happiness that someone experiences after making a purchase. It’s the temporary sense of satisfaction that can come from buying something, even if the purchase is impulsive or unnecessary.