Purchases of 31% teenagers influenced by social media: OP survey

The useful part

About a third of 15–19-year-olds said that their purchases are influenced by the social media, according to a survey commissioned by OP Financial Group. Girls are more susceptible to this than boys, said OP in a press release referring to the survey on Friday. Youths trust influencers much less than lessons learned at home and school.

How it works

• It assessed the financial literacy of youths (aged 15–19) in 2026 and the barometer's themes include how the social media influence young people.
• In reality, social media probably influence them much more than they realise," said Eija Juntunen, a doctoral researcher of the University of Helsinki.
• The survey entitled "A better tomorrow – the financial literacy barometer for young people" was commissioned in 2026, based on collaboration between OP Pohjola, the University of Helsinki and the University...
• According to the barometer, one-third (31%) of youngsters feel that their purchases are influenced by social media content.
• This varies by gender where 20% of girls and 10% of boys, said that they have made an impulse purchase due to the social media.

What to take from it

Girls buy relatively often in response to social media recommendations, and experience more social media-induced status pressure than boys. " that the result reflects only youngsters' own opinions of social media impacts. About 45% of respondents said that they admire people who have expensive homes, cars and clothes.

Example or evidence

• Status pressure and impulse buying are most common among those in the weakest financial position," Juntunen added.
• The barometer also reveals where young people go for reliable financial advice.

Details worth keeping

They receive most information about finances...