Current:Home > NewsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -AdvancementTrade
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-16 01:25:30
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 blinfisher@USATODAY.com 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! (3)
Related
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Shares Why He Ended Brooks Nader Romance Through Text Message
- Lululemon, Disney partner for 34-piece collection and campaign: 'A dream collaboration'
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Cameron Brink set to make Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut
- Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Prove They're Going Strong With Twinning Looks on NYC Date
- Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- NFL overreactions: New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys going nowhere after Week 10
Ranking
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
- Why Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams May Be Rejoining the George R.R. Martin Universe
- New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- John Krasinski Reveals Wife Emily Blunt's Hilarious Response to His Sexiest Man Alive Title
- Angels sign Travis d'Arnaud: Former All-Star catcher gets multiyear contract in LA
- 13 Skincare Gifts Under $50 That Are Actually Worth It
Recommendation
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
New Yorkers vent their feelings over the election and the Knicks via subway tunnel sticky notes
Florida education officials report hundreds of books pulled from school libraries
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Minnesota man is free after 16 years in prison for murder that prosecutors say he didn’t commit
Florida education officials report hundreds of books pulled from school libraries
Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times