Current:Home > ScamsDo you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.-InfoLens
Do you regret that last purchase via social media? You're certainly not alone.
View Date:2024-12-23 14:41:48
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! (7)
Related
- My Chemical Romance returns with ‘The Black Parade’ tour
- Tennessee Titans' Ryan Tannehill admits 'it hits hard' to be backup behind Will Levis
- HSN failed to report dangerous defect in 5.4 million steamers
- 8 dead after suspected human smuggler crashes in Texas
- Officer injured at Ferguson protest shows improvement, transferred to rehab
- Michigan man gifts bride scratch-off ticket worth $1 million, day after their wedding
- Top US accident investigator says close calls between planes show that aviation is under stress
- The moon will 'smile' at Venus early Thursday morning. Here's how to see it
- The Fate of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager's Today Fourth Hour Revealed
- Back in China 50 years after historic trip, a Philadelphia Orchestra violinist hopes to build ties
Ranking
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- Wisconsin Assembly slated to pass $2 billion tax cut headed for a veto by Gov. Tony Evers
- Zac Efron “Devastated” by Death of 17 Again Costar Matthew Perry
- Jury rejects insanity defense for man convicted of wedding shooting
- 32-year-old Maryland woman dies after golf cart accident
- Hollywood celebrates end of actors' strike on red carpets and social media: 'Let's go!'
- An inside look at Israel's ground assault in Gaza
- Nashville officers on 'administrative assignment' after Covenant shooter's writings leak
Recommendation
-
Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand
-
From Hollywood to auto work, organized labor is flexing its muscles. Where do unions stand today?
-
Not vaccinated for COVID or flu yet? Now's the time ahead of Thanksgiving, CDC director says.
-
Rashida Tlaib censured by Congress. What does censure mean?
-
Tom Brady Admits He Screwed Up as a Dad to Kids With Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
-
Katy Perry handed a win in court case over owner refusing to sell $15 million California home
-
Revisiting Bears-Panthers pre-draft trade as teams tangle on 'Thursday Night Football'
-
Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee, White House says