Current:Home > MyDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -Trailblazer Capital Learning
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-27 15:09:46
That love-hate relationship with social media extends to purchases, too.
In a new study by Wallethub, nearly 3 in 4 people have made an "unnecessary purchase" via social media. Two out of 3 Americans believe social media is encouraging overspending. And nearly 1 in 5 of those surveyed about their social media purchases categorized them as scams.
"Social media is such a key component to most people's lives nowadays and it's become such a powerhouse as far as online shopping and advertising goes," Cassandra Happe, a Wallethub analyst told USA TODAY.
"We wanted to get a sense of how consumers are handling social media shopping and what their views are as far as whether it's a worthwhile platform to use for shopping and if it's really beneficial as far as how it impacts their finances," she said, in explaining the study.
Here are some other findings from the survey:
◾ 46% of people said social media is a bad influence on their debt.
◾ Social media made 36% of the respondents say it made them feel frustrated about their own finances.
◾ Nearly 2 in 5 Americans are trying to falsely present a good financial image online when that's not real.
◾ 63% of people said they regretted a purchase they've made via social media.
◾ 36% of respondents said they'd spend less if they deleted their social media apps.
The survey did not specifically ask consumers whether they were influenced in their purchases by their friends or posts they've seen from influencers, but Happe said 43% of respondents said they viewed a celebrity recommendation via social media as bad.
Uncomfortable Conversations:What is financial infidelity and how can you come clean?
"People of any age and background are susceptible to getting caught up in social media consumerism, so it’s important to ask yourself whether you really need a given item you see on social media," Happe said in a press release. "Sleeping on a purchase before completing it is a wise move as well.”
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on X, Facebook, or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Iran claims there will be no restrictions on access to money released in U.S. prisoner exchange
- Explosive materials in New Jersey home caused blast that killed 2 men, 2 children, officials say
- Alex Murdaugh’s friend gets almost 4 years in prison for helping steal from his dead maid’s family
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- American industrial icon US Steel is on the verge of being absorbed as industry consolidates further
- Alex Collins, former NFL running back and Arkansas standout, dies at 28
- A Community-Led Approach to Stopping Flooding Expands in the Chicago Region
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Mother pleads guilty to felony child neglect after 6-year-old son used her gun to shoot teacher
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Little League won't have bunk beds at 2023 World Series after player injury
- Maui wildfires death toll rises to 99 as crews continue search for missing victims
- Get $140 Worth of Tarte Cosmetics Products for Just $25
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- See Blac Chyna's Sweet Mother-Daughter Photo With Dream Kardashian
- Heavy rains trigger floods and landslides in India’s Himalayan region, leaving at least 48 dead
- Testimony from Sam Bankman-Fried’s trusted inner circle will be used to convict him, prosecutors say
Recommendation
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Perseids viewers inundated Joshua Tree National Park, left trash, set illegal campfires
These 7 Las Vegas resorts had bedbugs over the last 18 months
See the Surprising Below Deck Alum Causing Drama as Luke's Replacement on Down Under
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Why Jennifer Lopez's Filter-Free Skincare Video Is Dividing the Internet
North Korea says US soldier bolted into North after being disillusioned at American society
Halle Berry has Barbie-themed 57th birthday with 'no so mini anymore' daughter Nahla