The Shopee/TikTok Shop Filter: How to Stop “Doom Spending” at 2 AM
It is 2:00 AM, and the blue light of your smartphone is the only thing keeping you awake. You are watching a TikTok Live where a high-energy host is shouting about a "limited-time flash deal" for a gadget you didn’t know existed ten minutes ago. Before you realize it, your thumb has pressed the checkout button. This phenomenon, often called "doom spending," is fueled by emotional triggers rather than actual needs. These platforms are designed to trigger a dopamine rush through urgency and "shoppertainment."
The "24-Hour Cool Down" Rule
The most effective way to break this cycle is the 24-hour rule. When you feel the overwhelming urge to buy something during a late-night scroll, add it to your cart but do not pay. Close the app and go to sleep.
Psychologically, the "hunt" for a deal provides a dopamine hit similar to the actual purchase. By waiting until the next morning, the emotional fog usually clears. You will likely find that the "must-have" item from last night looks unnecessary in the cold light of day. This simple pause allows your logical brain to override your impulsive instincts.
Real Math vs. "Girl Math"
In the world of social commerce, "Girl Math" often justifies spending by viewing a RM50 item as "free" because you used a RM5 voucher or "saved" money by hitting the free shipping threshold. Real financial mastery requires a shift toward Real Math.
Every RM20 spent on a viral trend is RM20 less in your ASB or EPF Account 3. While a discount feels like a saving, it remains an expense you did not originally budget for. A July 2025 survey found that 87% of Malaysians have made a purchase after seeing a product on TikTok, often leading to "buyer’s remorse" once the package arrives.
Mastering your finances means mastering your emotions. By implementing a mandatory waiting period, you protect your bank balance from the 2 AM version of yourself.