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Food recommender systems have been developed for the online environment to support shoppers in making informed decisions. These systems analyze the extensive data collected to infer consumer preferences and needs, providing relevant product recommendations accordingly. Despite the potential of recommender systems as a strategic marketing tool in the online grocery shopping environment, there has been limited effort to systematically analyze approaches of prior studies on recommender systems for online grocery shoppers along the five stages of recommendation delivery: (1) identify recommendation goal, (2) acquire consumer data, (3) compute, (4) evaluate, and (5) present the recommendation. Therefore, this paper examines the advancements in each stage of delivering grocery recommendations to consumers from 2018 to March 2023. We performed a search strategy resulting in 50 papers dedicated to recommender systems for online grocery shoppers, which contrasts with previous research that typically examined recipe and meal recommendations that were merely meant to inspire users on what to cook. Findings reveal a prevalence of preference-based systems with limited integration of explicit consumer data, and often lacking consent for implicit data usage. While advanced deep neural network models are getting more attention in the literature, evaluation methods tend to be system-oriented, overlooking essential user feedback and the efficacy of general metrics. This systematic literature review underscores the necessity for consumer engagement in system and interface design, aiming for grocery recommendation systems that improve customer experience, by ensuring inclusivity and prioritizing user-centered design. [Display omitted] • Grocery recommendations usually disregard the potential of diverse objectives. • Typically no integration of explicit data and no mention of consumer consent. • There is an increasing focus on more advanced deep neural network based models. • Evaluation is typically system-centric, ignoring the more general metrics. • Systematic input from consumers is mostly absent in design and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As many services convert to digital based on human-machine communication technology, older adults face considerable challenges. With the goal to identify ways to design digital services that are easier for older adults to use, this paper uses the strategy of making self-ordering kiosks more similar to the original version (i.e., paper menu) focusing on three familiarity design approaches: representation, manipulation, and organization. A 2 (skeuomorphic vs. flat design) x 2 (hierarchical vs. linear navigation structure) between-subject design experiment was conducted with individuals aged over 65 years (N = 60). Participants perceived that the skeuomorphic design was easier to use compared to the flat design, and the linear navigation structure increased perceived self-efficacy, usefulness, and intention to use compared to the hierarchical navigation structure. Participants also completed the tasks more quickly in the skeuomorphic design (vs. flat design) and linear navigation structure (vs. hierarchical structure) conditions. Interaction effects suggest that the task completion time was further reduced when skeuomorphic design was used with a linear navigation structure. Furthermore, fewer people requested assistance when they used a linear navigation structure. Serial multiple mediation results showed that the influence of linear navigation structure on intention to use was mediated by perceived self-efficacy and usefulness. • Skeuomorphic design offers better user experience for seniors than the flat one. • Linear navigation structure offers better user experience for seniors than the hierarchical one. • Combining skeuomorphism and linear structure decreases the task completion time. • The effect of linear navigation structure on intention to use is mediated by self-efficacy and perceived usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the realm of virtual assistants (VAs) and their pivotal role in shaping user acceptance of voice shopping. VAs, initially tailored for voice interactions on smartphones, have permeated diverse consumer devices, revolutionizing user experience through conversational interfaces. However, the reluctance to embrace voice shopping persists due to safety apprehensions stemming from users' lack of confidence in VAs. The paper centers on anthropomorphism, emphasizing the human-like attributes of VAs, and its direct correlation with users' sense of safety. The study explores user perceptions of VAs in voice shopping, particularly focusing on anthropomorphic aspects like social presence, human-like voice, and friendliness. The investigation highlights their impact on perceived safety, word-of-mouth, and voice shopping acceptance. Analyzing prominent VAs—Alexa, Google Home, and Siri—the study identifies two fundamental factors influencing voice shopping acceptance: the humanity embedded in the VA's voice and the perceived safety it offers. Feeling secure during VA interactions significantly increases safety perception, fostering greater acceptance of VAs for shopping purposes. Additionally, the human-like qualities in the VA's voice positively influence users' perceived friendliness and safety, augmenting trust and overall acceptance of this technology. • The humanization of virtual assistants enables the generation of user confidence. • Perceived security in these assistants promotes active word-of-mouth transmission. • Perceived security enhances the intention to engage in voice shopping using virtual assistants. • The perceived humanity is manifested through the interplay of human-like voice, social presence, and friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buyer-seller relationship in live streaming commerce is crucial especially in service failure situations, yet it has been underexplored. In this paper, we reconceptualized the relationship between consumers and sellers in live streaming commerce as "parasocial guanxi", which consists of ganqing (emotional attachment), xinren (trust) and reciprocal value. The effects of parasocial guanxi on consumer dissatisfaction and complaint intention in service failure situations were further investigated based on the expectation confirmation theory. Our study involved 425 valid questionnaires and employed the partial least squares structural equation method (PLS-SEM). The findings are mixed: on one side, parasocial guanxi acts as a buffer, mitigating dissatisfaction and complaint intention in the face of product or service problems and reducing the impact of disconfirmation on consumer dissatisfaction. On the other side, it may also increase the likelihood of dissatisfied consumers complaining. Furthermore, the buffering effect weakens as consumers make more frequent purchases. The findings have important theoretical and practical implications for understanding the buyer-seller relationship in live streaming commerce. • This paper reconceptualized the buyer-seller relationship in live streaming commerce as "parasocial guanxi". • The effects of parasocial guanxi in service failure situations were investigated. • Parasocial guanxi has a buffering effect in alleviating consumers' dissatisfaction and complaint intention. • Meanwhile, parasocial guanxi can increase the likelihood of dissatisfied consumers to complain. • The effects of parasocial guanxi vary across different demographic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-to-Avatar (D2A) is the new phenomenon in the online retail segment. Brands are moving towards immersive commerce in which the central focus is on immersive communication for better customer experience in the metaverse. Diffusion of innovation theory acted as a theoretical framework to understand the premiums that the brands can enjoy from the customers by moving towards immersive commerce. 948 tweets on metaverse were analysed and five in-depth interviews with the experts on metaverse were conducted. For the quantitative study, the data were collected from a select metaverse Facebook group. The findings of PLS-SEM revealed that four factors - customer engagement, customer experience, value co-creation and customer empowerment - have statistically positive impact on customer citizenship behavior which ultimately affects customer satisfaction and loyalty towards the brands. The study extends the applications of diffusion of innovation theory in the content of immersive communication. It enriches the literature on technological advancements in immersive commerce. This is one of the first studies that focus on lifestyle brands in the metaverse. Also, this study depicts how socializing the digital brand communication with experience economy can be a key factor for lifestyle brands. • This paper is one of the first that focuses on lifestyle brands in the metaverse. • This study depicts how socializing the digital brand communication with experience economy is crucial for lifestyle brands. • The study extends the applications of diffusion of innovation theory in the content of immersive communication. • It enriches the literature on technological advancements in immersive commerce. • Customer engagement, experience, co-creation and empowerment effects citizenship behavior boosting satisfaction & loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a multibillion-dollar global market. While considerable speculation exists about the future utility of NFTs, there has been limited research into the consumer behaviors of market participants. This research paper examines the motivations of NFT buyers through the lens of self-determination theory. Using a sample of 482 participants, the authors tested a conceptual framework to better understand both NFT buyers' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. This study expands the literature on NFTs in three different ways: i) it is the first study, as far as we know, to focus exclusively on NFT buyers and their motivations in purchasing NFTs; ii) it explores a variety of potential motivations theorized in the literature; and iii) it tests the expected future value of NFTs as both a motivation and as a moderator for NFT buyers. The authors determined that intrinsic motivation had the most substantial effect on purchase intention, and the expectations of NFTs' future value positively moderated the effect of amotivation on purchase intention. In contrast, high expectations of future value moderated the effect of external regulation on purchase intention. The results suggest that NFT buyers are not as impacted by potential social or monetary gain as often characterized in the academic literature but behave more like traditional buyers of luxury goods. • Seminal study on motivations behind NFT buyers' decisions to purchase NFTs (n = 486) • Used SIMS to test a variety of motivation effects (intrinsic, extrinsic, amotivation) • Intrinsic motivation had the most substantial effect, contradicting a common narrative of NFT buyers • Buyers' expectation of future value acts simultaneously as a determinant and moderation effect in the purchase of NFTs • NFTs should be considered a novel form of luxury goods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most prior work on online reviews assumes that the value of reviews for consumers lies only in providing information about the product or the consumer's experience with the product. Yet, consumers also post and interact with pseudo-reviews, defined as reviews that describe exaggerated product experiences while trying to be entertaining. To address the nature and consequences of pseudo-reviews, this study develops a framework for understanding their value and how they affect consumer decision-making. First, we define how pseudo-reviews differ from other types of reviews. Then, we empirically examine how pseudo-reviews moderate the relationship between online review valence (how positive or negative the review is) and purchase intention. Finally, using a dual-processing theoretical lens, we examine how pseudo-reviews affect consumer decision-making through systematic and affective processing. We test our model through two experiments. The first study finds that pseudo-reviews reduce the impact of review valence on purchase intention when compared to genuine reviews. The second study shows that pseudo-reviews affect uncertainty and amusement, and these, in turn, affect purchase intention. We discuss the implications of pseudo-reviews for theory and practice. • Previous studies on online reviews often ignore the amusement value of online reviews. • The paper focuses on pseudo-reviews and develops a framework to understand their influence on consumer decisions. • For positive reviews, pseudo-reviews decrease the positive effect of review valence on purchase intention. • Pseudo-reviews affect consumer decisions by increasing both uncertainty and amusement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the influence of various advertising channels on consumers' value perceptions of luxury brands, with a specific focus on the potential negative effects of TikTok on luxury advertising. Using an experimental design, four studies were conducted to rigorously examine these research questions. Study 1 reveals that, compared to traditional media, TikTok advertising has a more adverse impact on consumers' value perceptions of luxury brands. In Study 2, the mediating role of psychological distance is identified as the underlying mechanism explaining how media types in luxury advertising affect value perceptions. Study 3(a) highlights significant disparities in the number of online reviews and "likes" for different review types. Additionally, Study 3(b) discovers that self-deprecating online reviews can significantly increase the value perception of luxury brands on TikTok. This study contributes both theoretically and practically to the field of luxury marketing management, offering insights into the nuanced dynamics of luxury advertising across diverse media channels. Furthermore, it provides valuable suggestions for future research within the realm of luxury marketing, particularly in the context of social media. • Advertising on TikTok may diminish consumers' value perceptions of luxury brands. • Psychological distance explains TikTok's negative effects on value perception. • TikTok users prefer exploring self-deprecating reviews, when watching luxury ads. • Self-deprecating reviews enhance TikTok users' value perception of luxury brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]