Taking surveys online to make cash may seem like an easy way to earn some extra money in your spare time. However, before diving into this opportunity, it’s essential to consider whether the effort is worth the reward. To shed some light on this topic, NerdWallet writers decided to put a few survey apps to the test back in 2017. The results were not impressive – after spending more than 50 hours, they made less than $90 in total.
Now, you might be wondering if things have changed since then. Should you still consider taking surveys online to make money? While the idea may sound appealing, there are some important factors to consider before diving in. One of the key issues highlighted by the NerdWallet writers was the amount of personal data they had to give up in exchange for completing surveys. Information such as dates of birth, ZIP codes, incomes, health ailments, ethnicities, and living arrangements were often required. This raises concerns about how this data is used and whether it could be at risk of being misused or stolen.
Eva Velasquez, the CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, emphasized the importance of being cautious when sharing personal information on survey sites. The risk of data being used for questionable studies, sold to third parties, or even stolen is a real concern. While some information may seem harmless, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved.
When it comes to the financial aspect of taking surveys online, the earnings may not be as lucrative as you might expect. In the NerdWallet test, hourly earnings ranged from 41 cents to $2.03, which is significantly lower than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Additionally, many survey sites require a minimum amount of points to be accumulated before you can redeem them, which can be challenging to reach after investing a significant amount of time.
If you’re still considering taking surveys online to make money, it’s essential to proceed with caution. Before signing up for any survey site or app, make sure to check user reviews and carefully review their data privacy policies. It’s also important to be aware of the potential downsides, such as disqualifications from surveys, delayed payouts, and lack of survey opportunities.
In the world of survey apps, there are several popular options that you may come across. Make Money, Eureka, InboxDollars Surveys, Google Opinion Rewards, and Swagbucks are some of the leading apps in this space. Each app has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s crucial to do your research and choose wisely based on your preferences and expectations.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional survey apps, platforms like Prolific offer quality studies from researchers in academia, startups, and established organizations. While Prolific doesn’t have a mobile app, it’s known for offering fair compensation to participants, with researchers required to pay at least $8 per hour of work.
In conclusion, while taking surveys online to make money may seem like a simple way to earn extra cash, it’s important to approach this opportunity with caution. Be mindful of the risks involved in sharing personal data, carefully review survey sites and apps before signing up, and consider alternative options for making money in your spare time. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can make an informed decision about whether online surveys are worth your time and effort.
