Current:Home > MarketsKnow what dreamscrolling is? You're probably doing it.-LoTradeCoin
Know what dreamscrolling is? You're probably doing it.
View Date:2024-12-24 21:20:34
Psst. Close that browser window about your dream house or vacation and get back to work.
You're not alone, though.
A new study reveals that the average American spends nearly 2½ hours a day "dreamscrolling" or looking at dream purchases or things they’d like to one day own.
According to the study by Empower, a financial services company, Americans are spending an average of 2.5 hours a day – or 873 hours a year – dreamscrolling on the phone or computer.
Half of the 2,000 respondents to the study said they dreamscroll while at work and of those, 1 in 5 admit to spending between three to four hours a day multitasking while on the job.
Age makes a difference
Gen Z'ers spent the most time dreamscrolling at a little more than three hours per day, while Boomers spend the least, or about an hour.
The majority of those who responded, or 71%, however, said that dreamscrolling is time well spent because it motivates them to reach their financial goals.
"People see dreamscrolling as one way they’re investing in themselves and envisioning what they want out of life – whether that’s when they want to retire, their dream home or next vacation," said Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower.
How to visit Australia without flying:Holland America launches new Grand Voyage
Here's some more insights from the study:
- More than half (56%) of the recipients have dream purchases left open in tabs and windows or saved in shopping carts. Those respondents estimate it would cost about $86,593.40 to afford everything they currently have saved.
- Overall, 34% say they’ve purchased fewer things on their dream list than they should at their age, with Millennials feeling the most behind (39%). Some of the main reasons holding them back are rising prices (54%), inability to save money (29%) and growing debt (21%).
- More than 2 in 5 respondents say they dreamscroll more when the economy is uncertain (43%).
- Roughly half of the respondents say they're spending more time dreamscrolling now than in years past (45%) and plan on buying something off their dream list this year (56%).
- The top dreamscrolling items are clothing, shoes and accessories (49%) followed by gadgets and technology (30%) and home décor or furniture (29%). One in five respondents are looking at homes or apartments (21%), nearly a quarter search for vacation spots (25%) while 23% look for beauty or self-care products and 19% are shopping for their furry family members.
- While 65% are optimistic they’ll some day be able to buy everything on their dream list, nearly 1 in 4, or 23%, say they don't think they'll ever be able to afford the majority of the items.
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! (794)
next:BITFII Introduce
Related
- Dave Coulier Says He's OK If This Is the End Amid Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Battle
- Jonathan Van Ness denies 'overwhelmingly untrue' toxic workplace allegations on 'Queer Eye'
- Doug Burgum vetoed anti-LGBTQ measures while governor. Then he started running for president
- US Soccer denounces racist online abuse of players after USMNT loss to Panama
- Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested
- Judge partially ends court oversight of migrant children, chipping away at 27-year arrangement
- Takeaways: How Trump’s possible VP pick shifted on LGBTQ+ issues as his presidential bid neared
- Rental umbrella impales Florida beachgoer's leg, fire department says
- 2025 NFL mock draft: QBs Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward crack top five
- How charges against 2 Uvalde school police officers are still leaving some families frustrated
Ranking
- Singles' Day vs. Black Friday: Which Has the Best Deals for Smart Shoppers?
- What to know about water safety before heading to the beach or pool this summer
- Pair of giant pandas from China arrive safely at San Diego Zoo
- Minnesota family store is demolished from its perch near dam damaged by surging river
- The Daily Money: Markets react to Election 2024
- Hawks trading Dejounte Murray to Pelicans. Who won the deal?
- Dick Vitale reveals his cancer has returned: 'I will win this battle'
- Bachelorette Star Jenn Tran Teases Shocking Season Finale
Recommendation
-
Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
-
How RuPaul's Drag Race Judge Ts Madison Is Protecting Trans Women From Sex Work Exploitation
-
Two voice actors sue AI company over claims it breached contracts, cloned their voices
-
Texas Opens More Coastal Waters for Carbon Dioxide Injection Wells
-
Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
-
8 homeless moms in San Francisco struggled for help. Now, they’re learning to advocate for others
-
Lawsuit challenges Ohio law banning foreign nationals from donating to ballot campaigns
-
Kenya protests resume as President William Ruto's tax hike concession fails to quell anger