Current:Home > reviewsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone. -ChatGPT
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:29:22
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! (812)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Southern Mississippi defensive back Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr. shot to death in Hattiesburg
- A closer-than-expected Ohio congressional race surprises Republicans and encourages Democrats
- Tom Brady's No. 12 'is now officially retired' by New England Patriots
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Social Security COLA estimate dips, but seniors remain in a hole. Here's why.
- USMNT earns draw vs. Brazil in Copa America tune-up match; Christian Pulisic scores goal
- U.S. cricket team recovers from poor start but loses to India at Twenty20 World Cup
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- New Jersey's top federal prosecutor testifies Sen. Bob Menendez sought to discuss real estate developer's criminal case
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Massachusetts House passes bill strengthening LGBTQ+ parents’ rights
- Gunman hijacks bus in Atlanta with 17 people on board; 1 person killed
- Will the Roman Catholic Church ever welcome LGBTQ+ people? | The Excerpt
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- And Just Like That's Sara Ramirez Files for Divorce From Husband Ryan DeBolt 6 Years After Split
- Liza Minnelli opens up about addiction, Judy Garland in new film: 'Not a lot of laughs'
- The 1975's Matty Healy is engaged to model Gabbriette Bechtel
Recommendation
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
Jelly Roll reflects on performing 'Sing for the Moment' with Eminem in Detroit: 'Unreal'
2 to vie in November to become Las Vegas mayor and succeed Goodman duo dating to 1999
USA Basketball defends decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the 2024 Paris Olympics team
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Historically Black Coconut Grove nurtured young athletes. Now that legacy is under threat
Celtics avoid collapse, defeat Mavericks to take 3-0 lead in NBA Finals: Game 3 highlights
Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood Tearfully Breaks Silence on Fiancé Gary Wayt’s Disappearance