What’s The Most Overrated Thing In America?

America loves hype. We’re sold dreams, trends, and products that promise to change our lives—but many are just overpriced, overblown, or outright scams. Here’s the truth about the most overrated things in the U.S. that people blindly worship.

1. College Degrees (The $100,000 Lie)

• The Myth: “Go to college or you’ll end up flipping burgers.”

• The Reality:

  • Many degrees (like Gender Studies or Art History) don’t lead to jobs.

  • Trade jobs (electricians, plumbers) often pay more than office jobs.

  • Student loans trap people in debt for decades.

• Who Benefits? Universities and banks—not students.

Alternative: Learn a skill online for cheap (coding, marketing) or join a trade school.

2. Tipping Culture (Guilt-Tax for Customers)

• The Myth: “Tips reward good service.”

• The Reality:

  • Employers use tips to avoid paying fair wages.

  • Now even self-checkout machines ask for tips.

  • Pressure to tip 20%+ for basic service is insane.

• Who Benefits? Businesses that exploit workers and customers.

Fix: Pay workers properly and kill tipping guilt.

3. Super Bowl (Overhyped & Overpriced)

• The Myth: “The greatest sports event ever!”

• The Reality:

  • Tickets cost $5,000+ for seats where you watch ants play.

  • Most “epic” ads are forgotten in a week.

  • The halftime show is just lip-syncing and fireworks.

• Who Benefits? Beer companies and TV networks.

Alternative: Watch highlights for free and save $500 on wings.

4. Influencers (Professional Scammers)

• The Myth: “They’re self-made entrepreneurs.”

• The Reality:

  • Most buy followers and fake success.

  • Their “courses” and “brand deals” are just pyramid schemes.

  • Real jobs don’t involve twerking for TikTok coins.

• Who Benefits? Only the top 0.1% of influencers.

Alternative: Follow experts, not clout-chasers.

Related : What Makes the Vintage Distressed Leather Jacket from NY American Jacket So Special?

5. Organic Food (Marketing Gimmick)

• The Myth: “Organic = healthier and better.”

• The Reality:

  • Studies show little nutritional difference.

  • Labels like “non-GMO” on salt (which has no genes).

  • Prices are 50% higher for the same stuff.

• Who Benefits? Whole Foods and Instagram wellness gurus.

Tip: Wash regular produce—it’s the same thing.

6. Luxury Brands (Pay $1,000 for a Logo)

• The Myth: “Designer = quality and status.”

• The Reality:

  • A $2,000 Gucci T-shirt is made in the same factory as Walmart tees.

  • “Status symbols” just signal you’re bad with money.

  • Real rich people wear normal clothes (see Zuckerberg’s hoodies).

• Who Benefits? Brands laughing all the way to the bank.

Smart Move: Buy generic and invest the savings.

7. Multi-Level Marketing (Legal Pyramid Schemes)

• The Myth: “Be your own boss!”

• The Reality:

  • 99% lose money (even the FTC admits it).

  • You annoy friends by selling junk oils or leggings.

  • Real businesses don’t make employees buy inventory.

• Who Benefits? Only the people at the top.

Run Away: If they say “side hustle,” it’s a scam.

Related : How Medical Debt Hurts American Families Finances?

Final Thought

America sells fantasies—college, brands, influencers—that often leave people broke and disappointed. The real flex? Seeing through the hype.