Social Influence Research Articles

The relationship between religious affiliation and menopause symptoms and attitudes in United States women

ObjectivesThis study's aim is to examine patterns of menopause symptoms and attitudes among United States women from different religious affiliations. Study designWe used data from a national sample of midlife and older adults. For this analysis, we included only women who were postmenopausal or had undergone hysterectomy. We constructed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to examine the relationship between religious affiliation and menopause symptoms and attitudes while adjusting for potential confounders. Main outcome measuresMenopause symptoms (hot flashes, pain in sexual interactions, pleasure in sexual interactions, trouble falling asleep) and attitudes (relief on periods stopping, regret on periods stopping, worry about becoming less attractive) measured by self-report on Likert scales. ResultsAcross denominations, 47 % of women experienced hot flashes, 48 % experienced pain in sexual interactions, 95 % experienced pleasure, and 88 % had trouble falling asleep. Regarding attitudes towards menopause and aging, 62 % felt relief in their periods stopping, while 56 % expressed worry about becoming less attractive with aging. Baptist women were more likely to experience hot flashes and trouble falling asleep compared to Catholic women. However, when adjusted for smoking status, this relationship did not persist. Unaffiliated and Spiritual women were less likely to experience trouble falling asleep and more likely to report pleasure in sexual interactions compared to Catholic women. Spiritual women were significantly more likely to feel regret on periods stopping compared to Catholics. ConclusionsThere is a relationship between religious affiliation and the menopause experience. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering social influences on women's health.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS

In the contemporary digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life, profoundly influencing various aspects of society, including education. This research paper delves into the multifaceted impact of social media on students, encompassing both the positive and negative ramifications. The positive effects of social media on students include enhanced communication and collaboration, access to vast educational resources, and opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Additionally, social media platforms can facilitate peer support networks, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students. Moreover, social media can serve as a platform for academic and career networking, enabling students to connect with mentors, professionals, and potential employers. However, the pervasive use of social media also poses significant challenges and risks for students. Excessive screen time and engagement with social media have been linked to decreased academic performance, attention deficits, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, social media platforms often expose students to cyberbullying, online harassment, and negative social comparison, leading to psychological distress and decreased self-esteem. Moreover, the dissemination of misinformation and fake news on social media can hinder students' critical thinking skills and undermine their ability to discern credible sources of information. This research paper synthesizes existing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of social media on students, highlighting the complexities and nuances of this phenomenon. By elucidating the various dimensions of social media's influence on students, this paper aims to inform educators, parents, policymakers, and students themselves about the opportunities and challenges inherent in navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, the paper proposes recommendations for promoting responsible social media usage and mitigating its adverse effects on students' well-being and academic success.

How Social Media Influencers Impact Consumer Behaviour? Systematic Literature Review

Businesses invest considerable sums in influencer marketing efforts as social media influencers (SMIs) continue to gain popularity. To understand how marketers might utilize influencer marketing as a strategy in the digital era, researchers are still examining the effectiveness and impact of using SMIs. Accordingly, this article aims to conduct a systematic literature review of the impact of SMIs on consumer behaviour. Based on 90 studies, our systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. This comprehensive review of literature intends to demonstrate the various impacts of SMIs on consumer behaviour, particularly about consumer decision-making, consumer attention, consumer brand admiration, consumer self-expression and consumer purchase intention. We outline influencer-led campaign techniques that can help companies develop closer ties with their customers and produce successful brand outcomes. In addition, the research synthesizes disparate literature to advance our comprehension of the mechanisms generating SMI attributes and the variables influencing consumer reactions to influencer endorsements. Future studies in the area will be aided by a nomological framework that incorporates significant antecedents, mediators and moderators of potential outcomes.

The Influence of social media platforms on the formation and spread of consumer trends

Social media platforms are becoming essential for determining customer trends and behaviour in a variety of businesses. The impact of social media on the development and propagation of consumer trends is examined in this study paper. This article attempts to shed light on the dynamics of contemporary consumerism and its interaction with digital media by investigating the ways in which social media platforms affect consumer behaviour, as well as the function of influencers and algorithms. This study examines the mechanisms via which social media influences consumer behaviour, identifies important elements driving trend development, and evaluates the impact of social media on various industries by utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis. This study attempts to give a thorough grasp of how social media shapes modern consumer trends through case studies and surveys. This study examines the complex effects of social media on consumer behaviour and trend creation using a mixed-methods methodology. While quantitative research looks at the statistical relevance of these elements in influencing consumption patterns and purchasing decisions, qualitative analysis investigates the impact of social influence, content virality, and user involvement in driving trends. The research's conclusions provide insightful information to companies, marketers, and legislators that want to use social media to better understand and influence customer behaviour. This thesis adds to a better understanding of the modern consumer landscape by thoroughly examining the impact of social media on trend formation and spread. It also offers helpful suggestions for modifying marketing tactics to accommodate changing consumer preferences in the digital era.

Trust, Social Influence and Perceived Usefulness: Examining Online Purchase Intentions among Gen Z

The growing popularity of online shopping collides with user reservations related to trust, social influence, and perceived purchase usefulness, with such concerns acutely observable among Gen Z populations. As digital natives and prolific online users, Gen Z's purchasing patterns offer valuable insights for marketers adjusting their online strategies. This study extends the body of knowledge by examining the determinants of online purchase intentions among Gen Z thereby guiding university administrators, educators, and online retailers in crafting improved online shopping experiences. Utilizing a non-intrusive, naturalistic research setting, the study harnesses an anonymous survey methodology, and data is rigorously analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings indicate that trust and perceived usefulness are significantly connected to students' online purchasing decisions. This study enhances the theory of online buying habits by emphasizing trust and value in e-commerce. It advises adding trust cues and functional benefits to online portals, the key to influencing Gen Z buyers and boosting market expansion and e-shopper satisfaction.

The drivers and outcomes of postgraduate students’ adoption and use of LinkedIn learning

ABSTRACT Social media educational tools represent an opportunity for higher education (HE) institutions to enhance postgraduate students’ skills development. LinkedIn Learning can be used to complement classroom teaching and learning. However, the drivers and outcomes of this tool remain a gap in the literature. This study uses a cross-sectional research design and data from 232 postgraduate students at a university in the United Kingdom (UK). The results of structural equation modelling indicate that facilitating conditions and habit are the main drivers of students’ behavioural intention to use LinkedIn Learning, and the actual use of this tool contributes to students’ skills development and satisfaction. The results indicate that age moderates the relationships between effort expectancy, social influence, habit and behavioural intention of using LinkedIn Learning. The findings contribute to the effective integration of LinkedIn Learning as an additional tool that may complement teaching and learning, improving postgraduate students’ skills development and satisfaction.

A simplified approach for food traveller segmentation based on involvement

ABSTRACT This study reveals a simple but effective method of segmenting food travellers (also called culinary travellers or food tourists) based on involvement. Respondents are asked a three-item battery measuring purchase involvement adapted from the Mittal & Lee's article “A causal model of consumer involvement”, published in the Journal of Economic Psychology. By adding up the scores, three segments of food travellers (high, medium, and low food travel involvement) can be identified. The three segments are significantly heterogeneous in attitudes toward food and drink, role of food and drink in destination choice, social influence on food and drink, and food and drink activities. For each attitude or behaviour, high food travel involvement travellers rate higher than medium-involvement travellers, who rate higher than low-involvement travellers. This research supports three-cluster segmentation of food tourists provided by Levitt et al.'s article “Food tourist segmentation: Attitude, behavioral intentions and travel planning behavior based on food involvement and motivation” published in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, while providing a new approach that can be simply implemented by researchers and destinations without complicated statistical analysis or long lists of questions.

Factors Affecting Consumer Behaviour In Indian Fashion Retail Industry- A Study Of Recent Trends And Preferences.

This study investigates the multifaceted realm of consumer behavior within the Indian fashion retail industry, focusing on the intricate interplay of various factors shaping purchasing decisions. With an ever-evolving market landscape, understanding recent trends and preferences becomes paramount for businesses striving to remain competitive and relevant. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature and empirical research, this paper aims to dissect the intricate web of influences that drive consumer behavior in the Indian context. Key factors such as cultural nuances, economic dynamics, social influences, and technological advancements are scrutinized to unravel their impact on consumer preferences and buying patterns. Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, insights are gleaned into the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian consumers in the realm of fashion retail. Additionally, the role of marketing strategies, brand perception, and customer experience in shaping consumer decisions is explored. The findings of this study not only provide valuable insights for businesses operating in the Indian fashion retail sector but also contribute to the broader understanding of consumer behavior dynamics in a rapidly evolving market environment. By staying attuned to the pulse of consumer preferences and adapting strategies accordingly, businesses can navigate the complex terrain of the Indian fashion retail industry with agility and foresight.

Analyzing the Factors Influencing the Digital Transformation of Public Services in Banda Aceh and Jambi

This research aims to prove the hypothesis regarding the factors that influence digital transformation in public services in of Banda Aceh and Jambi using the TAM framework with the variables usefulness, attitude toward, ease of use, and social influence. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method with data sources from questionnaires distributed via Google Form with 200 respondents and data processing using SMART PLS3 software. The research results show an R-square value of 0.671. It can be concluded that the interpretation of the level of user satisfaction in Banda Aceh and Jambi regarding digital transformation is 67.1%; the r-square is identified in the strong category. Several TAM variables that have a significant influence are ease of use, social influence variables with P values of 0.004 and 0.000, and variables that do not have asignificant effect are usefulness and attitude towards it with P values of 0.511 and 0.056.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUNCERS ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR.

This study investigates the influence of social media influencers (SMIs) on choice imitation among their followers, with a focus on the mediating role of customer loyalty and the moderating effects of demographic factors. Utilizing data collected from 483 respondents via the MTurk platform, regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between SMIs and choice imitation, considering the influence of customer loyalty and demographic variables. The findings reveal a significant and positive relationship between SMIs and choice imitation, indicating that SMIs' behaviors and recommendations have a substantial impact on the purchasing decisions of their audience. Furthermore, customer loyalty emerged as a key mediator in this relationship, suggesting that stronger loyalty to SMIs leads to increased choice imitation among followers. Moreover, the study identifies the importance of considering demographic factors such as gender, education level, and income as moderators of the relationship between SMIs and choice imitation. These factors influence the extent to which individuals are influenced by SMIs' content and personality traits. Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of influencer marketing dynamics on social media platforms and underscores the significance of building customer loyalty and strategically selecting SMIs based on their characteristics. These insights have implications for marketers seeking to leverage influencer marketing effectively to reach and engage with their target audience.

A Study on Assessing the Role of Financial Literacy in Stock Market Engagement

This article offers the results of an extensive study that examines the many elements that impact individuals' engagement in the stock market. The research investigates the factors contributing to the consistently low rates of involvement in the global equities market, with a specific focus on emerging nations such as India. These factors include consumer financial literacy, risk aversion, financial wellness, regulatory perception, social impact, and investing difficulties. The research uses qualitative interviews and literature review to generate conceptual models that introduce new dimensions of regulatory perception and investment difficulties. These models are subsequently confirmed by quantitative research, drawing upon existing theories. The research provides significant contributions to policymakers, regulators, and investors by deepening comprehension of financial decision-making processes and cultivating a more knowledgeable investing environment. Key words: financial literacy, Risk avoidance, perception social influence Investment, hassles Emerging economies, Equity products Investment behaviour.

The five-factor model, social network, and social influence in instant messaging groups

Nowadays, instant messaging (IM) software is one of the most popular communication tools. Understanding the complex relationships between individual characteristics and social factors is crucial for enhancing the stickiness of IM groups. This study explores the influence of congenital and acquired factors on the stickiness of IM group users. In fact, this research studied the influence of five-factor model, social network, and social influence on stickiness of IM group users. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the research hypotheses. The research findings revealed that four key personality traits (such as Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness) may influence the participation in the IM groups. In terms of social networks, emotional support networks have created an influence on the participation in instant messaging groups. As for the social influence, subjective norms and critical mass may affect the participation in IM groups. The obtained results may provide practical insights for the design and improvement of instant messaging software/applications. Moreover, the government can use the relevant findings to formulate policies and develop feasible administrative objectives.

Improving medication dispensing and counselling for patients with vision impairment: a qualitative study of pharmacist-reported barriers and facilitators

BackgroundPeople with vision impairment encounter many difficulties when it comes to medicines use. However, evidence indicates that there are major gaps in pharmaceutical care service provision worldwide and limited research on interventions to optimise medication use for this patient population. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) provides a method for theoretically understanding individuals’ behaviour and informing development of interventions. The aim of this research was to (a) identify the barriers and facilitators to the provision of medication dispensing and counselling services by pharmacists to patients with vision impairment, and (b) identify key TDF domains to be targeted in a future intervention.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from different pharmacy practice settings/areas in Saudi Arabia. The 14-domain TDF was utilised as the theoretical lens through which pharmacists’ behaviours were examined. Interviews were conducted in Arabic or English, either face-to-face or over the telephone based on the participant’s preference. Following transcription, interviews conducted in Arabic were translated into English before analysis. Data analysis involved using the framework method and content analysis to identify important barriers and facilitators to the provision of dispensing and counselling services to those with vision impairment. Key TDF domains that could be targeted in a future intervention were then identified using a consensus-based approach.ResultsTwenty-six pharmacists were interviewed. Pharmacists’ experience in pharmacy practice ranged from two to 28 years. A range of barriers and facilitators were highlighted as important in providing services to those with vision impairment. Eight domains were identified as ‘key domains’ including: ‘Knowledge’, ‘Skills’, ‘Beliefs about capabilities’, ‘Goals’, ‘Memory, attention, and decision processes’, ‘Environmental context and resources’, ‘Social influences’, and ‘Behavioural regulation’.ConclusionsBarriers and facilitators identified by pharmacists will inform the development of an intervention to ensure its applicability to everyday practice. Future research will focus on the process of developing the proposed intervention through targeting key TDF domains to improve medication dispensing and counselling by pharmacists to patients with vision impairment.

UTAUT Model Mediated by Government Information System to the Intention to Use of Indonesian Local Government

Purpose – This study investigates the role of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model on the intention to use mediated by the Government Information System. In the context of this study, the implementation of government information systems through the application of local government information systems (SIPD) in Regional Governments in Indonesia. Methodology/approach –The population in this study includes: Primary High Leadership Officials, Administrator Officers, Supervisory Officers, and SIPD Management ASNs in the Ministry of Home Affairs and local governments with a total sample of 358 respondents. This study uses a form of sampling in the form of purposive sampling and probability sampling, with the sampling technique used in the form of simple random. When viewed from the relationship between variables, this study is included in associative research. The data processing and analysis techniques used in this study were carried out through Descriptive Statistical Tests and Structural Equation Model (SEM). Findings – Based on the results of the study, it is known that Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Condition, either directly or indirectly through the Government Information System as the variable that mediates it, have had an influence on the Intention To use SIPD application. Novelty/value – The novelty of this study fills the research gap by involving the role of the government information system (SIPD) as a mediating factor between performance expectations, effort expectations, social influences, and conditions that facilitate intention to use which is limited only to age and experience as control variables. Thus, a more comprehensive picture of the results of how the influence of factors in UTAUT is mediated by the role of SIPD, and see the extent to which the implications of implementing SIPD in local government can affect the intention to use by civil servants in Indonesia and as recommendations for related parties in developing government information systems.

Factors Influencing Gen Z's Intention In Adopting Islamic Fintech Payment Digital Services

Extensive studies on Islamic financial technology (fintech) have been conducted, while attention to its specific impact on Generation Z still needs to be paid. This research analyses the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, and habit on Generation Z's intention to adopt a Sharia-compliant digital fintech payment system. This research uses a survey-based quantitative approach. This research relies on primary data sources through questionnaires. The population of this study was Generation Z from the Garut district, while the sampling technique used random samples using Hair measurements, so 143 samples were obtained. The data analysis technique uses SEM-PLS, assisted by the SmartPLS application. The research results prove that social influence and habit have a positive and significant effect on Generation Z's intention to adopt Islamic fintech digital payment services, while performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and price value have no effect on Generation Z's intention to adopt payment services Islamic digital fintech. This research can become literature for further research. It can be used as a reference for the Islamic fintech industry to develop products and services that are more attractive to Generation Z.

Predicting customer intention to adopt mobile commerce in Jordan

BACKGROUND: The progress made in wireless communications has led to a higher adoption of mobile devices among users and has spurred the development of mobile commerce technology. OBJECTIVE: This research examines the factors influencing the intention to adopt mobile commerce in Jordan. These factors include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, social influence, personal innovation, and mobility. METHODS: The study relied on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), incorporating additional variables to suit the Jordanian context. The researchers gathered data from 540 users, and the research hypotheses were evaluated using smartPLS analysis. The study utilized a convenience sample due to the absence of a comprehensive list of names of mobile commerce users. RESULTS: The results reveal that perceived usefulness, trust, social influence, personal innovation, and mobility play a significant role in influencing adoption intentions of mobile commerce. Furthermore, the study finds that mobility significantly affects the perceived usefulness of mobile commerce. In contrast, perceived ease of use does not show a statistically significant relationship on the intention to adopt mobile commerce. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights for companies, service developers, and mobile marketers, enabling them to enhance the adoption rate of this service among individuals.

Social Acceptance of Mobile Health Technologies Among the Young Population in Nigeria

Mobile devices are widely used in modernizing healthcare delivery because of their unique features related to accessibility, virtual interaction, and connectivity. While developing countries, with limited resources, strive to achieve high healthcare standards, and mobile health (mHealth) solutions could transform healthcare delivery systems in these countries, their functionality is currently limited. This study investigates the potential systematic introduction of mHealth services and their social acceptability in developing countries, with a particular focus on Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of university students. Structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Psychological and personal characteristics, environmental characteristics, and conditions of use associated with mHealth technology adoption were examined based on eight constructs (health consciousness, trust, social influence, perceived risk, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, and behavioral intention). The results indicate that trust and performance expectancy are significant predictors of mHealth acceptance in the surveyed population. The future acceptance of mHealth among young people in developing countries holds great significance for improving healthcare delivery, addressing the unique challenges faced by developing countries, and leveraging the preferences of young individuals, which could contribute to the advancement of mHealth solutions and enhance healthcare accessibility. The findings shed light on the acceptance of mHealth technologies among the young populations of developing countries, with implications for future efforts to improve healthcare delivery and address the healthcare challenges of these countries.

Understanding the Role of Digital Identity: A Conceptual Framework and Proposed Methodology for Measuring Malaysia's National Digital Identity Initiative

Malaysia is in the process of developing a National Digital Identity (NDI) system to provide citizens and residents with secure and efficient access to digital services. However, the success of the initiative depends on public awareness, perception and acceptance of the system. This paper proposes a preliminary framework for measuring public awareness, perception and acceptance of the NDI initiative in Malaysia. The framework was developed based on an extensive literature review and includes several important variables, including public awareness, perception and acceptance, as well as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user experience, social influence and facilitating conditions. The proposed research design is based on a quantitative methodology using a questionnaire to collect data from a diverse sample of respondents. The proposed framework and methodology are a valuable contribution to the literature on the NDI initiative and can provide a foundation for future empirical research in this area. By using a rigorous research design, this study can provide valuable insights into the public's attitudes and perceptions towards this initiative, which can inform policy decisions and contribute to the successful implementation of the NDI initiative in Malaysia. The study contributes to the ongoing discussions on digital identity (DI) and provides valuable insights for policy makers, practitioners and researchers seeking to promote the adoption of DI systems in Malaysia and beyond.

A Review of Cross Cultural Studies on World Fandom Culture in the Context of World Cultural Diversity: Taking China and the United States as Examples

While the world economy is developing rapidly, the way of information media is becoming more and more diversified, and under the multiple effects of politics, economy and culture, a new group has gradually arisen fandom. In China, fandom originates from celebrities' fan circles, a group formed spontaneously by fans for their Idol (the celebrities favored by the fan groups). This group communicates with each other on the Internet, and in reality, and helps celebrities to promote themselves, beat the charts, and vote for the celebrities. In the process of development, the radicalization of these groups and the social influence they produce cannot be underestimated. In recent years, fandom culture has been expanding and developing, and the degree of wrong value guidance and negative social influence caused by fandom culture has also been expanding. Fandom culture is a topic that has been researched extensively in China. However, it is essential to note that fandom culture is not limited to China alone. It is a global phenomenon that has influenced the cultures of various countries. The impact of fandom culture is not only limited to its sphere but can also be seen in the broader cultural environment. Therefore, cross-cultural research on fandom culture is essential to understand its influence on different cultural environments. This paper will combine the existing research results to analyze and propose the future development trend of fandom culture as a new cut, in order to provide useful reference and guidance for the benign development of fandom culture in China in the future.

Social media influencers helping the world? uncovering their advantages and tipping factors in cause-related marketing

While social media influencers have manifested their convertible marketing value in sponsorship deals, brands and non-profits have also been experimenting with them to promote social causes. Whether and how influencers’ traits that contribute to their commercial success also translate to cause-related marketing is yet understudied. This research investigates the specific traits and factors that help to explain influencers’ strengths in cause-related marketing through a qualitative approach via conducting in-depth interviews. Drawing on source credibility, parasocial relation, and congruence effect, this research identified several factors that potentially contribute to followers’ receptivity toward prosocial behaviors promoted by influencers, including source credibility, parasocial relation with followers, followers’ wishful identification, and different levels of congruence (influencer-cause fit, follower-cause fit, and consistency among causes). We further explore how followers perceive influencers’ promotion of prosocial behaviors from a marketing perspective. This research contributes to our understanding of the advantages of influencers in cause-related marketing, and advance knowledge on source credibility and congruence theory in the context of influencer marketing.