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Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 149 views

The Compulsive Shopping Behavior of Teenagers in the K-Pop Fan Community: A Quantitative Study

Introduction

In the world of pop culture, K-Pop fans have become a significant demographic, with a large following among teenagers. The K-Pop fan community is known for its enthusiasm and dedication to their favorite idols and groups. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes manifest in compulsive shopping behavior, where fans feel an overwhelming urge to purchase items related to their favorite idols or groups. This study aims to describe compulsive shopping behavior among teenagers of K-Pop fans, using the compulsive shopping theory from Edwards (1993) as a framework.

Methodology

This study involved 510 teenagers of K-Pop fans aged 12 to 21 years as subjects. The method used in this study was a quantitative descriptive method, collecting data using the compulsive buying scale from Edwards (1993) compiled in the form of a Likert scale based on psychological aspects of compulsive shopping behavior. The scale consisted of 29 items, which were used to assess the level of compulsive shopping behavior among the participants.

Results

The results of this study showed that 53.7% of K-Pop fans experience compulsive shopping behavior in the high category, followed by 34.9% in the medium category, and 11.4% in the low category. These numbers reflect that most of the teenagers involved in this study were affected by excessive shopping tendencies, especially in buying items related to their favorite idols or K-Pop groups.

Analysis and Explanation

Compulsive shopping behavior is often triggered by various psychological factors, such as the need to be accepted by groups, social pressure, and the influence of the media. Among K-Pop fans, this can be understood through the strong emotional bond they have with their idols. K-Pop idols are not just artists for fans, but are also considered part of their identity. When fans feel emotionally connected, they tend to try to express their support through the purchase of merchandise, albums, or concert tickets.

In addition, the existence of social media that allows fans to see their idol's activities and lifestyles also affects shopping behavior. Fans often feel pressured to have the same items as their idols, thus strengthening the desire to shop more. In this context, shopping behavior is not just an economic activity, but also a form of self-expression and the search for identity within the fan community.

The Impact of Compulsive Shopping Behavior

However, it is essential to remember that compulsive shopping behavior can have a negative impact. Excessive purchases can cause financial problems, decreased academic performance, and even mental health problems. Therefore, it is crucial for parents and educators to provide a better understanding of financial management and the impact of this consumptive behavior to adolescents.

Conclusion

This research provides valuable insight into compulsive shopping behavior among teenagers of K-Pop fans. With a better understanding of the factors that influence this behavior, we can develop a more effective strategy to help adolescents in managing their shopping desires and increasing awareness of the importance of wise financial management. By recognizing the psychological factors that drive compulsive shopping behavior, we can work towards creating a healthier and more responsible fan community.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Financial Education: Parents and educators should provide financial education to adolescents, teaching them how to manage their money and make responsible purchasing decisions.
Media Literacy: Adolescents should be taught to critically evaluate the media and advertising, recognizing the influence of social media on their shopping behavior.
Support System: Fans should be encouraged to develop a support system, such as friends or family members, who can help them manage their shopping desires and provide a more balanced perspective.
Fan Community Engagement: Fan communities should be encouraged to engage in activities that promote responsible and sustainable consumption, such as charity events or environmental initiatives.

By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards creating a healthier and more responsible fan community, where adolescents can enjoy their love for K-Pop without compromising their financial well-being or mental health.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size of 510 participants may not be representative of the larger K-Pop fan community.
Self-Reported Data: The data collected in this study was self-reported, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies.
Cultural Context: The study was conducted in a specific cultural context, which may not be generalizable to other cultures or fan communities.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Explore the Impact of Social Media: Investigate the impact of social media on compulsive shopping behavior among K-Pop fans.
Develop Interventions: Develop interventions to help adolescents manage their shopping desires and increase awareness of the importance of wise financial management.
Examine the Role of Fan Communities: Examine the role of fan communities in promoting responsible and sustainable consumption among K-Pop fans.

By addressing these limitations and exploring new research directions, we can gain a deeper understanding of compulsive shopping behavior among K-Pop fans and work towards creating a healthier and more responsible fan community.
Frequently Asked Questions: Compulsive Shopping Behavior Among K-Pop Fans

Q: What is compulsive shopping behavior?

A: Compulsive shopping behavior is a pattern of behavior where an individual feels an overwhelming urge to purchase items, often without considering the financial or practical implications. In the context of K-Pop fans, this can manifest in buying merchandise, albums, or concert tickets related to their favorite idols or groups.

Q: What are the common triggers for compulsive shopping behavior among K-Pop fans?

A: The common triggers for compulsive shopping behavior among K-Pop fans include:

Emotional connection with their idols
Social pressure from friends or online communities
Influence of social media
Desire to express their support and loyalty to their favorite idols or groups

Q: How common is compulsive shopping behavior among K-Pop fans?

A: According to our study, 53.7% of K-Pop fans experience compulsive shopping behavior in the high category, followed by 34.9% in the medium category, and 11.4% in the low category.

Q: What are the negative consequences of compulsive shopping behavior?

A: Excessive purchases can cause financial problems, decreased academic performance, and even mental health problems. It is essential for parents and educators to provide a better understanding of financial management and the impact of this consumptive behavior to adolescents.

Q: How can parents and educators help adolescents manage their shopping desires?

A: Parents and educators can help adolescents manage their shopping desires by:

Providing financial education and teaching them how to manage their money
Encouraging critical thinking and media literacy
Supporting responsible and sustainable consumption
Encouraging a support system, such as friends or family members, who can help them manage their shopping desires

Q: What role can fan communities play in promoting responsible and sustainable consumption?

A: Fan communities can play a significant role in promoting responsible and sustainable consumption by:

Encouraging charity events or environmental initiatives
Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly merchandise
Encouraging fans to think critically about their purchasing decisions
Providing a support system for fans who may be struggling with compulsive shopping behavior

Q: What are some strategies for managing compulsive shopping behavior?

A: Some strategies for managing compulsive shopping behavior include:

Setting a budget and sticking to it
Avoiding impulse purchases
Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection
Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

Q: How can fans balance their love for K-Pop with responsible and sustainable consumption?

A: Fans can balance their love for K-Pop with responsible and sustainable consumption by:

Supporting artists and groups who promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices
Choosing merchandise and products that align with their values and priorities
Engaging in activities that promote responsible and sustainable consumption, such as charity events or environmental initiatives
Practicing critical thinking and media literacy to avoid being influenced by excessive consumerism

Q: What are some resources for fans who may be struggling with compulsive shopping behavior?

A: Some resources for fans who may be struggling with compulsive shopping behavior include:

Mental health professionals or therapists who specialize in compulsive shopping behavior
Support groups or online communities for fans who are struggling with compulsive shopping behavior
Financial education resources or workshops that can help fans manage their money and make responsible purchasing decisions
Online resources or articles that provide information and strategies for managing compulsive shopping behavior.