Have you ever posted something you wished you hadn’t? If so, you’re not alone.
According to a new YouGov Omnibus survey, more than half (57%) of Americans who use social media have posted or texted something that they regret afterwards. One in six (16%) regret a post at least once a week. These numbers vary depending on age, with 20% of Millennials 18 to 34 admitting to a weekly blunder.
Hasty responses that make you sound foolish are the biggest social media regrets (36% of those who regret anything). The act brings about considerable more concern than sexting (5%) or sharing pictures (5%) that might damage a work reputation.
Compared to survey results from two years ago, however, Americans who make mistakes on social media on a weekly basis are now less worried about sounding foolish than they were two years ago (29% v 33% in 2013), but much more worried about damaging their reputation at work (21 % v 10%), or hurting relationships with family or partners by sharing misguided images or messages (14% v 6%)
Overall social media habits seem to be pretty ingrained; social media blunders are still happening at home (13%), late at night when tired (11%) or after drinking alcohol (10%). Habits vary widely depending on the age group. For example, 4% of adult respondents over 55 admit to a blunder after drinking alcohol while numbers grow to 11% for people between 35 and 54, and 17% in the case of adults 18 to 34.
For further information about Omnibus results, and for details about methodology and Omnibus services, please email omnibus.us@yougov.com.
Find the full results here.
Image courtesy of Press Association
