You’re not in a great mood today and want a distraction — place a bet casino and read what psychologists say about shopping that has gone completely online.
These days, it feels like technology can do anything. The latest example: Google has developed an AI-powered virtual clothing try-on for online shopping. Here’s how it works — you pick an item from an online store, and the AI shows how it would look on your body, like you’re standing in front of a mirror. No need to go anywhere, no need to try on ten outfits in a stuffy fitting room. Convenient? Very.
But let’s look at what psychologists are saying and how this might affect our lives — especially for people who “treat” themselves with shopping.
Shopping Without Weekends — Or Leaving the House
For many people, shopping isn’t just about buying clothes. It’s a way to unwind, lift their mood, or deal with stress. Some go to the mall not so much for the clothes, but for the experience: walking around, touching fabrics, smelling perfumes, hearing the music, being around people. It’s like a small celebration.
With virtual try-ons, part of that ritual disappears. You don’t have to leave home at all: open a website, pick some clothes, try them on, buy — done. What used to be a reason to get out of the house or out of your own head becomes just another online service.
It’s convenient — yes. But isn’t it also a little sad?
What Do Psychologists Say?
Many experts are already discussing how online shopping (now with virtual try-ons) could increase social isolation. Especially for those who already prefer to stay home or feel anxious in public places.
Psychologist Ekaterina Lebedeva explains:
“When someone chooses an online life over a real one, they lose contact with their body, their surroundings, and live interaction. Over time, this can lead to increased anxiety, apathy, even depression. Yes, AI try-ons are convenient. But it’s another step toward living through a screen.”
Other specialists point out that it could become a trap for some people. Those prone to impulsive purchases will face even fewer barriers: no need to drive to the mall or wait for pickup — just a couple of clicks, and the emotional appeal of seeing clothes on your digital self makes the purchase feel even more urgent.
What If Clothes Become “Home Uniforms”?
Here’s another interesting question: where will you wear all these clothes if you’re always at home?
Funny — but serious, too.
If shopping becomes a substitute for social interaction, physical activity, and new experiences, then your closet fills up with things that just… sit there. People start buying not what they need, but what looks nice on a virtual model. And later, those items just hang in the closet waiting for a reason that never comes.
Some psychologists even joke: “It’s like packing a suitcase for a vacation you’re never going on.”
You’ve got the outfits — but not the life.
A New Reality or a Wake-Up Call?
On one hand, technology keeps moving forward — and there’s no point in resisting it. Virtual try-ons are convenient, save time and money, and can really help people with limited mobility or those living far from big cities.
On the other hand, it’s worth asking ourselves: how are we really living? Are we getting too comfortable staying home all the time? Is home turning into a kind of cage — where everything is convenient, but somehow empty?
And most importantly — are we slowly disconnecting from reality?
The Bottom Line
Google has created a genuinely useful tool that could make online shopping much more enjoyable and efficient. But along with it comes a new dilemma: could virtual shopping end up replacing real life? Could it pull us further away from walks, meetups with friends, small talk with store clerks, or smiles in fitting rooms?
Like any technology, virtual try-ons are just a tool. What matters is remembering that they’re here to help, not to replace real life.
Clothes are made to be lived in, not just admired on a screen.
So maybe, just maybe, it’s still worth going outside — and taking that new coat out for a walk.
