Online compulsive buying addiction: A study on university students in light of some variables

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the level of electronic compulsive buying among Saudi university students and the differences in their compulsive buying based on several relevant variables. A descriptive approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study sample consisted of (328) male and female students, who were selected in the available way. The study results showed that the level of compulsive buying among students was moderate. The results showed an apparent variation in the arithmetic means and standard deviations of the level of compulsive buying attributed to the variables (academic stage, economic level, number of times exposed to electronic fraud). The results showed no statistically significant differences attributed to the effect of (gender,  specialization, and type of communication media used). The results also showed that the economic level and the academic stage were predictors of compulsive buying among university students. Compulsive electronic purchasing among university students is widespread among both genders and in various majors due to the ability to shop electronically via Internet applications. Therefore, university counselors' efforts must focus on students' motivations for compulsive behaviors, including compulsive buying, to reduce these behaviors and spread awareness among students and their parents about the danger of compulsive thoughts and behaviors such as compulsive shopping.