Ubiquitous Role of Social Networking in Driving M-Commerce: Evaluating the Use of Mobile Phones for Online Shopping and Payment in the Context of Trust

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of driving m-commerce with social networking and therefore provides insight into how the application of mobile apps influences customers’ perceptions on purchasing products online and on the mode of payment. The consumers are engaged in social interactions through the internet by the new opportunities provided by social media. These interactions provide and generate certain values for both businesses and consumers. An upsurge in the application of social media on mobile phones by users is evident, giving optimism and the ability to view the role of the integration of m-commerce into social media. Certain criteria like mobile app compatibility, trust, perceived value of mobile phone apps for online shopping, and online payment are examined from the point of view of consumers who purchase products, save purchase time, and provide easy use and security through social networking sites and m-commerce. Adoption of a digital mode of payment is affected by the education level of the consumers as, if they are internet savvy, they will be more inclined to use the digital payment mode. The article not only discusses the role of education in the better understanding of consumers toward the application of online modes of transaction through mobile phones, but also indicates that there are security issues, although these have been resolved to some extent by technological advances. Yet, there is need for the retailers as well as the consumers to achieve further technological progress.