*Jane Doe* sat in her living room in Purcell, Missouri, scrolling through her phone when a news article caught her eye. It was about Coupang, a major online retailer in South Korea, being fined a staggering $101 million by the Fair Trade Commission for allegedly manipulating its website's recommendation algorithm to push its own products and services.

The news triggered something deep within Jane, reminding her of her own struggles with online shopping addiction. She remembered the countless hours spent mindlessly scrolling through websites, lured by enticing product recommendations and irresistible deals, only to find herself drowning in a sea of unnecessary purchases and mounting debt.

Jane had tried to break free from this cycle before, but the allure of online shopping was always too strong. This time, however, something felt different. The news article made her realize how easily she could be manipulated by these algorithms, designed to prey on her vulnerabilities and keep her hooked.

Determined to confront her past demons, Jane decided to seek help. She stumbled upon the Stepping Into Action program offered by Hofman Hollis and immediately enrolled. The program provided her with the tools and support she needed to gain a deeper understanding of her addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

'It wasn't just about trying to stop shopping,' *Jane* reflected. 'It was about addressing the root causes of my addiction and learning to find fulfillment in other aspects of my life.'

Experts in the field of addiction recovery praised Jane's decision to seek professional help. 'Online shopping addiction is a real and growing issue,' said *Dr. Emily Smith*, a clinical psychologist. 'Programs like Stepping Into Action can be incredibly effective in helping individuals break free from these destructive patterns.'

However, some critics argued that the responsibility should lie with the retailers themselves, who employ tactics to manipulate consumer behavior. 'These companies are essentially preying on people's vulnerabilities for their own financial gain,' said *Professor David Lee*, a consumer advocate. 'There needs to be stricter regulations in place to protect consumers from these predatory practices.'

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding online shopping addiction, Jane felt a profound sense of relief and optimism as she embarked on her journey towards recovery. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but the prospect of regaining control over her life and finding true fulfillment made every step worth taking, especially with the support of a program specifically designed to address her unique struggles.

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