The rising cost of living is seeing many Americans cut down on unnecessary spending. But at times of heightened stress, many also indulge in shopping as a form of escapism. So, how can social shopping platforms simultaneously help people limit their expenses and engage in retail therapy?

A study from Snap has revealed a growing optimism towards social shopping. However, though convenience and trust are important drivers when it comes to shopping online, privacy concerns remain and many aren’t comfortable handing over financial or personal data to social platforms.

Do Americans still trust the opinions of online influencers? And what does a personalized e-commerce experience look like today? Canvas8 spoke to eight people from across the US to discover what convinces them to click ‘buy’ while they’re scrolling their social media feeds.

A report from Snap Inc. and Havas Media found social commerce is on its way to taking over traditional spending methods in the UAE. With social commerce sales on the rise, these findings highlight the impact of friends and family on younger people’s shopping decisions over influencers.