The confusion over this stems from people living comfortable lives, despite negative net worth, because their cash flow satisfies creditors and their expected lifetime net worth (after the debts are finally paid off) is positive.
The statistics are misleading because they view the data as "game over right now", when the matter is ongoing. Someone might have negative worth right now, but that's not taking into account the fact they'll earn a million dollars over the next decade.
"According to the latest data we have, 24.8% of American households had zero or negative net worth"
So basically if you have a net worth of more than $1 you are wealthier than ~25% of America.