Broken-hearted and lonely? Shop online. Divorced or separated people shop more online than married consumers, the latest Online Retail SA report suggests.The report, compiled by technology market research firm World Wide Worx, also noted a significant difference between the online shopping habits of divorcees and of those who have remained single.World Wide Worx founder Arthur Goldstuck said: "Almost 19% of divorced and separated South African adults shop online, compared to 13% of those married or living together. Yet, for those who have never been married, the figure is only 14%."This suggests that, following separation, there is a rebound effect that is not only about people looking for a new partner but also [about] filling other gaps in their life."The survey data were collected by the use of questionnaires and 15000 face-to-face interviews.Just over 10% of online shoppers are widowed, the study found.The research revealed that more than 2% of online shoppers bought groceries, books, shoes, software, games, gifts and clothing.Most online shoppers spent their money on music and videos.Jasmin Kooverjee, principal psychologist at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital, said the social lifestyle of a divorced or separated person would dictate online shopping habits.Said Koverjee: "The social aspect plays a role. [It could be that] they feel they are too busy because sometimes after a divorce people throw themselves into work."If you are too busy to go out, you shop online."Married people want to shop together because it is like an outing. Single people do it with their friends or do it to get out of the house."It all depends on the lifestyle of the individual," she said.Kooverjee said shopping sometimes filled an emotional hole."Some people shop because they are feeling down-and-out."It's like retail therapy - you want to do something nice for yourself. Lots of people will buy something for loved ones whom they want to spoil."Shopping comforts some people."She advised divorced and separated people, who are hooked on online shopping, to maintain a balanced lifestyle "as difficult as that might be. Try to have a social outing rather than [the] extreme of sticking to one choice of behaviour."Bonita Grobbelaar, a dating coach and the executive matchmaker at Match VIP, said singles had no problem spending on themselves, especially on lifestyle items."They want to look and feel good about themselves and retailers are taking advantage of this."..