Current:Home > FinanceDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -WealthGrow Network
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-28 10:53:45
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! (27)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Remember last year’s Memorial Day travel jams? Chances are they will be much worse this year
- Charlie Hunnam Has Playful Response to Turning Down Fifty Shades of Grey
- Family of New Jersey woman last seen in 2010 prepares for funeral after remains found in river
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Jennifer Lopez spotted without Ben Affleck at her premiere: When divorce gossip won't quit
- Pack of feral dogs fatally maul 9-year-old South Dakota boy, officials say
- Families of Uvalde school shooting victims are suing Texas state police over botched response
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Tolls eliminated from Beach Express after state purchases private toll bridge
Ranking
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Tamera Mowry Shares Honest Message About “Not Perfect” 13-Year Marriage to Adam Housley
- Federal rules expanded to protect shoppers who buy now, pay later
- Nicole Brown Simpson's Family Breaks Their Silence on O.J. Simpson's Death
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- From ‘Anora’ to ‘The Substance,’ tales of beauty and its price galvanize Cannes
- Wealthy self-exiled Chinese businessman goes on trial in alleged $1 billion fraud scheme
- Nebraska sues TikTok for allegedly targeting minors with addictive design and fueling a youth mental health crisis
Recommendation
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Kelly Osbourne recalls 'Fashion Police' fallout with Giuliana Rancic after Zendaya comments
New York senator won’t face charges after he was accused of shoving an advocate
Street shooting in Harrisburg leaves 2 men dead, 3 people wounded
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Nvidia 10-for-1 stock split: What investors need to know
U.S. existing home sales drop 1.9% in April, pushed lower by high rates and high prices
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving combine for 63 points as Mavericks steal Game 1 vs. Timberwolves