Have you ever bought something after seeing it over and over on social media? I have. At first, I scroll past it. Then I see it again, and again. Before long, I start wondering whether I need it too. Sometimes I even regret the purchase after the item arrives.
That is how social media can quietly influence our spending.
Advertising Does Not Always Feel Like Advertising
Many ads are worked into videos, product reviews, and everyday posts. A person may show a kitchen gadget, outfit, or home item while talking about how much they love it. It can feel more like a recommendation from a friend than an advertisement.
The more often we see something, the more familiar and tempting it becomes.
It Is Easy to Feel Like Everyone Has More
Social media gives us a look at other people’s vacations, homes, clothes, and purchases. What we usually do not see is how they paid for those things.
The product may have been free, the vacation may have taken years to save for, or the purchase may be sitting on a credit card.
We are often comparing our everyday lives to someone else’s best moments.
Shopping Takes Only Seconds
You can see a product, click a link, and check out without leaving the app. With saved payment information, there is very little time to stop and think.
A purchase that once required a trip to the store can now happen from the couch in less than a minute.
Your Feed Learns What Tempts You
Social media platforms pay attention to what you watch, like, search for, and click on. Pause on one product video, and you may start seeing similar items everywhere.
After a while, it can feel like everyone is buying them, when really your feed is simply showing you more of what caught your attention.
Give Yourself Time Before Buying
Try waiting at least 24 hours before making an unplanned purchase.
Remove saved payment information, turn off shopping notifications, and unfollow accounts that constantly tempt you to spend.
It can also help to ask yourself: Would I have wanted this if I had not seen it on social media?
Sometimes the answer will still be yes. Other times, the urge will pass once you step away from the screen.
Most of us will make an impulse purchase once in a while. The goal is not to be perfect.
The important thing is to recognize what is influencing us, pause before buying, and make sure our spending reflects what we actually want and can afford.
Written by
Lisa Ohnemus
Director and Certified Credit Counselor
Consumer Credit of Des Moines