Online Shopping Addiction for Food Delivery Apps and Health Risk Behavior Among Emerging Adults

Objectives: This study aims at understanding the patterns of food and instant delivery app use, exploring various socio-demographic factors associated with the frequency of ordering, and the health consequences of compulsive use of these apps and of unhealthy eating. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed. 439 emerging adults from Delhi/NCR (224 males and 215 females) between the age range of 18-29 years were selected for the study. The study was quantitative in nature and chi-square, correlation and regression analysis was carried out on the data. Results: Zomato (68.1%) and Swiggy (61.0%) were the most used food delivery apps while Blinkit (26.4%) and Instamart (10.0%) were the most used instant delivery apps. Junk/fast food (74.3%) was the most ordered type of food whereas highest frequency of ordering was once a week (67.9%). Majority participants lived alone (64.7%), were financially dependent (79.5%) and preferred paying through UPI (64.5%). Convenience of home delivery (81.5%) was the top reason contributing to app use. Pearson’s chi-square showed significant association between the type of living arrangement as well as type of financial situation with frequency of ordering. On the other hand, gender and preferred mode of payment did not show any significant association. Online shopping addiction for ordering through food and instant delivery apps was found to be a significant predictor of unhealthy diet, while physical inactivity was significantly predicted by unhealthy diet. Conclusion: This study serves as a reference for consumers to make better nutritional choices by bringing into awareness the possible addictive use of these apps and the health risks associated with it.