CPI Insights: September 2025 — Inflation Anxiety and the Blame Game on Social Media

CPI Insights: September 2025 — Inflation Anxiety and the Blame Game on Social Media

Analysis by RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING | 16M Consumer Conversations | Geography: USA

The September 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report confirmed what many Americans already feel: the cost of living remains painfully high. But beyond the data tables and percentages, RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING’s analysis of over 16 million consumer conversations across U.S. social media platforms reveals something deeper — a public narrative shaped by frustration, blame, and political polarization.

A Public Pulse on Inflation: Anger and Blame

In September, inflation discussions dominated online economic chatter. Across millions of posts, consumers didn’t just talk about prices — they debated causes, consequences, and accountability.

Fueled by government shutdown debates, the leading theme was clear: Americans overwhelmingly blame high government spending, illegal immigration costs, and tariffs as the primary inflation drivers.

The tone was notably grim. 37% of all sentiment was negative, and only 5% was positive, highlighting an economy where optimism feels increasingly rare. The dominant emotion? Distrust. Consumers voiced skepticism not only toward policymakers but also toward institutions meant to keep inflation in check.

Healthcare Inflation: “Beyond Out of Control”

Healthcare was at the epicenter of economic frustration. Thousands of users described the medical system as “broken” and “rigged,” with widespread mentions of “insurance fraud” and excessive profits by insurance companies.

Consumers repeatedly argued that federal subsidies and mandates — particularly under the Affordable Care Act — are the root cause of medical inflation. Many claimed healthcare costs have risen faster than any other major category in the CPI, calling the issue “beyond out of control.”

These discussions reflected a broader distrust in the system: people believe federal intervention has made essential services less accessible.

Housing and Education: Structural Pressure Points

The housing conversation was equally intense. Rent, mortgages, and property taxes were described as “crippling”, with many linking unaffordability to federal housing policy and the influence of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Consumers see housing costs as the core of the cost-of-living crisis, shaping everything from savings capacity to family stability. “Even middle-income households,” many said, “are living paycheck to paycheck.”

Parallel to housing, college tuition emerged as the second most cited inflation pain point. Consumers claimed tuition prices are inflated by federal subsidies, student loan programs, and administrative bloat — all seen as examples of government actions distorting market reality.

Together, education and housing formed over one-third of all CPI-related consumer posts, signaling that these two categories dominate how Americans experience inflation in daily life.

Food Prices and Tariffs: Everyday Economics

Food inflation remains one of the most visceral topics online — a “grocery store reality check.” Americans linked soaring food prices to tariff policies, supply chain issues, and corporate markups.

Consumers expressed frustration that basic groceries — from milk and eggs to produce — have become symbols of economic inequality. Many see tariffs and trade restrictions as hidden taxes that hit everyday families hardest.

Government Spending, Policy, and the Perception of Inflation

Beyond categories, one unifying theme cut through all conversations: policy as the perceived driver of inflation.

Americans see excessive government spending, mounting debt, and subsidy structures as the core inflation catalysts. Conversations framed inflation not as a temporary macroeconomic event but as a long-term policy failure.

Mentions of “government waste,” “deficit spending,” and “economic mismanagement” rose sharply during the shutdown debates, further entrenching the belief that Washington’s fiscal behavior directly drives household hardship.

Americans Feel "Trapped"

Amid the data, the most striking takeaway is emotional: Americans feel trapped.

Consumers described how inflation is eroding their ability to afford basic needs, build financial savings, or plan for the future.

Key Takeaways from RILA’s September CPI Conversation Analysis

• 16M+ U.S. consumer posts analyzed across social media.

• 37% negative sentiment, 5% positive, reflecting deep pessimism.

• Top inflation blame factors: government spending, immigration costs, tariffs.

• Healthcare and college tuition cited as fastest-inflating categories.

• Housing and food dominate affordability discussions.

• Policy and federal intervention perceived as the root causes of inflation.

As RILA GLOBAL CONSULTING continues to monitor consumer sentiment, one truth remains constant: inflation has become as much a psychological and political issue as it is an economic one — shaping how Main Street perceives and reacts to Wall Street’s data.