The Psychology of your 20s

357. Why do we doomspend?

25 Nov 2025

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We’ve all been there - telling ourselves that ‘life is short’ as we click add to cart. Whether it’s an expensive dinner, a holiday you can’t quite afford, or another ‘little treat’, doom spending has become the defining financial habit of our generation. In this episode, we unpack why we spend when the world feels uncertain - the psychology, the emotion, and the cultural forces behind it. From dopamine and control to social media, fatalism, and escapism, we’ll explore how uncertainty reshapes our relationship with money and why buying things can feel like the only way to feel better. We explore: • Why spending can feel emotionally soothing and self-regulating• How financial stress, uncertainty, and global instability fuel impulsive habits• The rise of ‘little treat culture’ and the illusion of control• The role of social media in pairing crisis with consumption• Signs that your coping mechanism has turned into doom spending• How to break the cycle - from doom saving to mindful spending If you’ve ever felt the urge to spend when everything feels out of control, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: [email protected] The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Psychology of your 20s

357. Why do we doomspend?

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from The Psychology of your 20s

402. Why trauma bonding feels so much like love ...

401. The psychology of microtrends

400. 15 things everyone should do in their 20s

396. Homesickness

395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance?

393. The psychology of stoicism

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