Almost half of 25- to 34-year-olds regularly make online purchases between midnight and 2am, according to Moneysupermarket, a phenomenon dubbed doom-scroll spending. Claer Barrett explores why late-night shopping has become a widespread habit, suggesting it serves as a distraction from broader money worries. The promise of a small purchase delivering instant happiness is a powerful lure — until the next night rolls around.

Christmas is approaching, and mobile commerce is booming. Last Christmas, a record £16.5bn was spent on mobile devices in the UK, a 14 per cent increase from 2024, with phones now accounting for almost two-thirds of total online spending. Algorithms on apps like Vinted and fast-fashion platforms such as Asos, Zara, and Shein are expertly targeted, pushing items like suede heels from LK Bennett at tempting prices. Even Primark recently announced a strategy change to reverse a sales slump caused by the popularity of endless scrolling.

Economists call this the lipstick effect, but it affects all genders. The danger lies in weakened defences during half-wakefulness, making consumers vulnerable to scams. Lloyds Bank reports that almost seven in 10 fraud cases involving its customers started on a Meta platform, prompting the launch of an AI-powered tool called Scam Check as part of a £100mn investment in scam prevention. About a quarter of after-dark purchases are funded by credit cards, overdrafts, or buy now, pay later.