Therapists now compare compulsive online shopping to gambling, where the addiction is to the action of purchasing, not the items. Symptoms include hiding parcels, not knowing what you've ordered, or immediately discarding items upon arrival because the product itself was never the goal, only the thrill of the transaction.
The addictiveness of live-stream shopping stems not just from convenience but from "atmospheric cues" that trigger dopamine hits. Features like a charismatic host and interactive live chats transform retail into entertainment, making the experience itself, rather than the product, the addictive element that users chase.
To counteract US trade barriers, Canada's long-term strategy involves removing its own internal trade barriers between provinces. This move is projected to boost GDP by a quarter of a trillion dollars, enough to offset even a complete breakdown of the US trade deal.
Canada's long-term economic strategy is built on the belief that the era of increasing integration with the US is permanently over. The leadership anticipates that future American politicians will find it difficult to remove trade barriers, necessitating a fundamental, long-term pivot for Canada's economy away from US dependency.
John Singer Sargent's modern popularity is surging because his portrait style is uniquely suited for social media. The direct gaze of his subjects, bright colors, and depiction of luxury create alluring thumbnails that feel native to platforms like Instagram, offering a "backstage pass" that resonates with influencer-era audiences.