Current:Home > MarketsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -RiskWatch
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-17 16:13:16
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! (7717)
Related
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Titanic expedition might get green light after company says it will not retrieve artifacts
- Regina King Details Her Grief Journey After Son Ian's Death
- Regina King reflects on her son's death in emotional interview: 'Grief is a journey'
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Mindy Kaling Shares Surprising Nickname for 3-Year-Old Son Spencer
- Top Democrat Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Netanyahu has ‘lost his way’
- Bill to undo Memphis’ traffic stop reforms after Tyre Nichols death headed to governor’s desk
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- College swimmers, volleyball players sue NCAA over transgender policies
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- What would Pat Summitt think of Iowa star Caitlin Clark? Former Tennessee players weigh in
- 'All in'? Why Dallas Cowboys' quiet free agency doesn't diminish Jerry Jones' bold claim
- *NSYNC Reunites for Surprise Performance at Los Angeles Concert
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- What is a 'flat white'? Today's Google Doodle celebrates the coffee beverage
- A new wave of 'tough-on-crime' laws aim to intimidate criminals. Experts are skeptical.
- Actor Pierce Brosnan pleads guilty to walking in Yellowstone park thermal area, must pay $1,500
Recommendation
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Putin again threatens to use nuclear weapons, claims Russia's arsenal much more advanced than America's
Florida woman found dead on cruise ship, Bahamas police say
Dua Lipa, Shania Twain, SZA, more to perform at sold out Glastonbury Festival 2024
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Jury weighs fate of James Crumbley, mass shooter's dad, in case with national implications
Maryland Senate nearing vote on $63B budget legislation for next fiscal year
New Mexico expands support to more youths as they age out of foster care