1. From "I Want It" to "I Must Have It": The Trap of Emotional Consumption Have you ever experienced this: after a stressful day, you open your shopping app, without hesitation, and add items you don't really need to your cart. The moment you receive the package, there's a brief sense of excitement, but soon after, you feel an overwhelming emptiness and self-reproach. This kind of short-term "emotional filling" isn't accidental. It's the result of a growing phenomenon of "emotional consumption" in modern society. Many people attempt to soothe their anxiety and discomfort through shopping, binge-watching shows, or constantly scrolling through social media. However, behind this behavior lies a significant psychological trap: while it may bring temporary satisfaction, it ultimately keeps you stuck in an endless loop of consumption and emptiness. You might think that buying new things, watching endless series, or catching up on the latest trends will help you forget stress, disappointments, and worries. However, increasing research and personal experiences show that these “emotional consumption” behaviors don’t solve your problems — they only delay dealing with them. The more you use these strategies to “comfort” yourself, the deeper the emptiness grows.