Current:Home > reviewsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -MacroWatch
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-16 09:10:54
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! (39)
Related
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Two officers shot, man killed by police in gunfire exchange at Miami home, officials say
- Another trans candidate in Ohio faces disqualification vote for omitting deadname
- Sofia Vergara sheds Modern Family image for new role as notorious drug lord in Griselda
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- How Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Are Already Recreating Their Rosy Journey
- A Minnesota boy learned his bus driver had cancer. Then he raised $1,000 to help her.
- Wizards of Waverly Place's Selena Gomez and David Henrie Are Teaming Up For a Sequel
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Powerball winning numbers for for Jan. 17 drawing, as jackpot grows to $102 million
Ranking
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Slovakian president sharply criticizes changes to penal code proposed by populist prime minister
- Fundraising off to slow start in fight over Missouri abortion amendment
- Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and More Score 2024 BAFTA Nominations: See the Complete List
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Maryland Black Caucus’s legislative agenda includes criminal justice reform and health
- New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division wants to issue electronic driver’s licenses and ID cards
- Can the deadliest cat in the world be this tiny and cute? Watch as Gaia, the black-footed cat, greets Utah
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Jennifer Lopez's tumultuous marriages on display in wild 'This Is Me…Now: A Love Story' trailer
Court upholds block on Texas law requiring school book vendors to provide sexual content ratings
A Swedish-Iranian man in his 60s arrested last year in Iran, Sweden says
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
The Clay Mask From The Outset by Scarlett Johansson Saved My Skin and Now I'm Hooked on the Brand
DOJ to release Uvalde school shooting report Thursday. What you need to know.
Donkey cart loaded with explosives kills a police officer and critically injures 4 others in Kenya