That love-hate relationship with social media extends to purchases,Rekubit Exchange 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.
2025-05-01 05:49394 view
2025-05-01 05:331949 view
2025-05-01 05:251960 view
2025-05-01 05:1187 view
2025-05-01 04:212374 view
2025-05-01 03:41367 view
Country music singer Charley Crockett was born and raised in Texas, grew up in a single-wide trailer
IRS has $1B in unclaimed tax refunds
Bridge experts and U.S. presidents have decried the nation's aging bridges and lack of maintenance f