Current:Home > ContactDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -RiseUp Capital Academy
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-13 14:21:45
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! (37535)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- North Carolina Outer Banks plane crash that killed 5 under investigation
- Firefighters stop blaze at western Wisconsin recycling facility after more than 20 hours
- Baseball legend Pete Rose's cause of death revealed
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- 'I'm sorry': Garcia Glenn White becomes 6th man executed in US in 11 days
- Sean “Diddy” Combs Accused of Abusing Minors Amid New Allegations
- Mariska Hargitay Addresses Potential Taylor Swift Cameo on Law & Order: SVU
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Texas prison system’s staffing crisis and outdated technology endanger guards and inmates
Ranking
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Pennsylvania town grapples with Trump assassination attempt ahead of his return
- Travis Kelce Reacts to Making Chiefs History
- Daniel Day-Lewis Returning to Hollywood After 7-Year Break From Acting
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Mega Millions winning numbers for October 1 drawing: Jackpot at $93 million
- FBI will pay $22.6 million to settle female trainees' sex bias claims
- Gap Fall Clothes That Look Expensive: Affordable Luxury for 60% Off
Recommendation
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Superman’s David Corenswet Details His Weight Gain Transformation for Role
Caitlin O'Connor and Joe Manganiello’s Relationship Started With a Winning Meet Cute
11 workers at a Tennessee factory were swept away in Hurricane Helene flooding. Only 5 were rescued
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
Justin Theroux Gives Shoutout to “Auntie” Jennifer Aniston in Adorable Photo
Best Early Prime Day Pet Deals: Unleash 60% Off Dog Seat Belts, Cologne, Brushes & More as Low as $4.49
15-year-old arrested on murder charge in fatal shooting of Chicago postal worker