Current:Home > NewsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -CapitalTrack
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
Chainkeen Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 08:51:36
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! (9232)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- 4 men found dead in a Denver suburb home
- Democratic division blocks effort to end Michigan’s 24-hour wait for an abortion
- Tom Brady decries NFL's quality of play: 'A lot of mediocrity'
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- No one was injured when a US Navy plane landed in a Hawaii bay, but some fear environmental damage
- The Rolling Stones are going back on tour: How to get tickets to the 16 stadium dates
- Travis Kelce draws sympathy from brother Jason after rough night in Chiefs' loss to Eagles
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- A fan died of heat at a Taylor Swift concert. It's a rising risk with climate change
Ranking
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- 'Unbelievable': Navy plane with 9 on board overshoots runway in Hawaii, lands in water
- Accuser sues Bill Cosby for alleged abuse dating to 1980s under expiring New York survivors law
- Quiet, secret multimillionaire leaves tiny New Hampshire hometown his fortune
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Trump, 77, issues letter lauding his health and weight loss on Biden's 81st birthday
- Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse takes on the 'wild mess' of Thanksgiving
- Steelers fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada as offensive woes persist
Recommendation
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
Pennsylvania governor appeals decision blocking plan to make power plants pay for greenhouse gases
D.C. sues home renovation company Curbio, says it traps seniors in unfair contracts
Public Enemy, R.E.M., Blondie, Heart and Tracy Chapman get nods for Songwriters Hall of Fame
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Surprise Appearance at Vancouver Hockey Game
Prosecutors won’t pursue assault charge against friend of Ja Morant after fight at player’s home
'Saltburn': Emerald Fennell, Jacob Elordi go deep on the year's 'filthiest, sexiest' movie