Current:Home > NewsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -Financial Clarity Guides
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-19 01:23:53
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! (2861)
Related
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Shooting kills 2 men and a woman and wounds 2 others in Washington, DC, police chief says
- A Proposed Gas Rate Hike in Chicago Sparks Debate Amid Shift to Renewable Energy
- Poet Maggie Smith talks going viral and being confused with that OTHER Maggie Smith
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- The FDA approves the first pill specifically intended to treat postpartum depression
- Jake Paul's fight vs. Nate Diaz: Prediction as oddsmakers predict mismatch
- 'Barbie' movie will now be released in the United Arab Emirates, after monthlong delay
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Colorado fugitive captured in Florida was leading posh lifestyle and flaunting his wealth
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- New offshore wind power project proposed for New Jersey Shore, but this one’s far out to sea
- Investigators identify Minnesota trooper who killed Black driver, activists call for charges
- Failed leaders and pathetic backstabbers are ruining college sports
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Mark Zuckerberg Reveals He Eats 4,000 Calories Per Day
- Sophia Bush and Husband Grant Hughes Break Up After 13 Months of Marriage
- Syrian baby born under earthquake rubble turns 6 months, happily surrounded by her adopted family
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Pope wraps up an improvised World Youth Day with 1.5 million attendees and a very big Mass
NYC officials announce hate crime charge in stabbing death of gay dancer O'Shae Sibley
North Korean leader Kim tours weapons factories and vows to boost war readiness in face of tensions
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Purple Blush Restock Alert: The Viral Product Is Back by Purple-Ar Demand
Oregon, Washington getting Big Ten invitations, according to reports
Lights, Camera, Romance! These Celebs Couples Fell in Love on Set