Current:Home > MarketsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -TrueNorth Finance Path
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-18 10:10:18
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 [email protected] 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! (8336)
Related
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Chloe Veitch Shares Her Handbag Essentials, Including a $7 Brow Gel With 4,000+ 5-Star Reviews
- Get $110 Worth of Tarte Makeup for Just $49 and Get That Filtered Photo Look In Real Life
- How Karl Lagerfeld Became Master of the Celebrity Fashion Universe
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Is Jury Duty's Ronald Gladden Single? He Says...
- Kendall Jenner Only Used Drugstore Makeup for Her Glamorous Met Gala 2023 Look
- Celebrate Met Gala 2023 With These Dua Lipa Fashion Moments That Will Blow Your Mind
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Patrick Swayze’s Widow Lisa Niemi Reflects on Finding Love Again With Husband Albert DePrisco
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- See Anthony Anderson's Hilariously Chaotic Vacation With Mom Doris in First Trailer for New E! Series
- Lily Collins and Camila Morrone's Esthetician Reveals the Acne Treatment Hiding in Your Kitchen
- Michael J. Fox Doesn't Believe He'll Live to Be 80 as He Battles Parkinson's Disease
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- These Jaw-Dropping Met Gala Looks Are the Best Red Carpet Moments of All Time
- The Crown's New Pics of Prince William, Kate Middleton Will Get You Royally Excited for Season 6
- Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song Step Out Hand-in-Hand After Welcoming Baby No. 2
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Vanessa Hudgens' Met Gala 2023 Look Is Proof She's Got Her Head in the Fashion Game
Angelina Jolie's Son Maddox Is All Grown-Up During Rare Public Appearance at White House State Dinner
24-Hour Flash Deal: Save 80% On a 6-Month Supply of Perricone MD Skincare Products
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Today’s Climate: April 23, 2010
Lea Michele Hits a High Note During First Met Gala Appearance in 9 Years
9-1-1 Cancelled by Fox, Saved by Another Network in TV Shocker