Children and advergame: the role of presence, flow and persuasion knowledge

Abstract

Entertainment offered in advergame can make it difficult for children to understand the message conveyed. Therefore, further investigation on its effectiveness as marketing tool is needed. In this study, we analyse the role of presence, flow, and persuasion knowledge on children's attitudes and intention to buy product advertised in the advergame. Two hundred 10-12-year-old children from public and private schools in Jakarta and Surabaya have participated in this study. The results show that presence has a positive impact on advergame attitude. The prediction stating that flow has a positive impact on advergame and brand attitude is not proven. The increasing persuasion knowledge only shows the impact on brand attitude. Advergame attitude shows a positive impact on brand attitude and not in purchase intention; whereas brand attitude shows a positive impact on children's intention to buy. Based on the findings, suggestions concerning future research and managerial implications are proposed.