Current:Home > StocksDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -FundCenter
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-24 17:57:41
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! (823)
Related
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Deadly blast destroys New Jersey home: 2 dead, 2 missing and 2 juveniles hospitalized
- Family of Ricky Cobb II, Black man fatally shot during traffic stop, calls for troopers involved to be fired
- 1000-Lb. Sisters' Tammy Slaton Fires Back at Bull Crap Criticism Over Her Use of Photo Filters
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Colts playing with fire in Jonathan Taylor saga, but these 6 NFL teams could be trade fits
- Having trouble hearing 'Oppenheimer' dialogue? Director Christopher Nolan explains why
- Florida effectively bans AP Psychology for gender, sex content: College Board
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- House panel releases interview transcript of Devon Archer, Hunter Biden's former business partner, testifying on Joe Biden calls
Ranking
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Idaho College Murder Case: Suspect's Alleged Alibi Revealed Ahead of Trial
- Spending time with a dog can be good for your health
- A World War II warship will dock in three US cities and you can explore it. Here's how and where
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Hyundai, Kia recall over 90,000 vehicles over oil-pump fire risk
- Q&A: Keith Urban talks 2024 album, Vegas residency, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Why are actors on strike still shooting movies? Here's how SAG-AFTRA waivers work
Recommendation
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
6 ex-officers plead guilty to violating civil rights of 2 Black men in Mississippi
Suspect in Idaho student stabbings says he was out for a solo drive around the time of the slayings
Texas man who threatened poll workers and Arizona officials is sentenced to 3 1/2 years
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Celebrate National Underwear Day With an Aerie 10 Panties for $35 Deal Instead of Paying $90
Woman's husband arrested in Florida after police link evidence to body parts in suitcases
Star soprano Anna Netrebko sues Met Opera over its decision to cut ties over Russia-Ukraine war