Current:Home > ContactDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -AssetTrainer
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-11 05:26:00
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! (8)
Related
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- What's going on with Cash App and Square? Payment services back up after reported outages
- Why autoworkers' leader is calling for a 4-day work week from Big 3 car makers
- Sweden brings more books and handwriting practice back to its tech-heavy schools
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Emily Blunt and John Krasinski and Their 2 Daughters Make Rare Public Family Appearance at U.S. Open
- USA Basketball result at FIBA World Cup is disappointing but no longer a surprise
- How the extreme heat is taking a toll on Texas businesses
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Judge denies Mark Meadows' request to move Georgia election case to federal court
Ranking
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Lil Nas X documentary premiere delayed by bomb threat at Toronto International Film Festival
- Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis address criticism for sending character reference letters in Danny Masterson case
- Misery Index Week 2: Alabama has real problems, as beatdown by Texas revealed
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 2 foreign aid workers, target Kyiv
- A US Navy veteran got unexpected help while jailed in Iran. Once released, he repaid the favor
- Will Hurricane Lee turn and miss the East Coast? Latest NHC forecast explained.
Recommendation
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Todd and Julie Chrisley get reduced prison sentences after fraud convictions
Cowboys rip error-prone Giants 40-0 for worst shutout loss in the series between NFC East rivals
UN envoy urges donor support for battered Syria facing an economic crisis
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
BMW to build new electric Mini in England after UK government approves multimillion-pound investment
Ravens' J.K. Dobbins updates: RB confirmed to have Achilles injury
Escaped convict spotted with altered appearance, driving stolen van, police say