Research on discrepancies between the actual self and ideal self has examined self-discrepancies in knowledge, skills and stature but age-based self-discrepancies have only recently received attention and so we studied this phenomenon in young adolescents. In three studies we identified a...

In online shopping, customers are unable to examine the products physically. Hence, they rely on telepresence, augmented reality, aesthetics, and entertainment – the elements of central and peripheral routes in the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). This study examined the impact of ELM on...

The purpose of this study is to understand the emerging influence of e-WOM (electronic word- of-mouth) as a contemporary feedback system, its role for hotels, and importance for guests. Furthermore, the study identifies the nature of user-generated feedback in terms of determining hotel ratings,...

Peer influence through word-of-mouth (WOM) plays an important role in many information systems but identification of causal effects is challenging. We identify causal WOM effects in the empirical setting of game adoption in a social network for gamers by exploiting differences in individuals’...

The social media phenomenon has provided tremendous opportunities for self-promotion. From global pop star, Psy, reaching over 1.2 billion YouTube viewers (as of this writing) with his smash hit, “Gangnam Style” to recent college graduates “getting themselves out there” in the job market...

Marketers distinguish between three types of media: paid (e.g., advertising), owned (e.g., company website), and earned (e.g., publicity). The effects of paid media on sales have been extensively covered in the marketing literature. The effects of earned media, however, have received limited...

This study identified and examined variables that affected spectators' attitudes and intentions in both offline and online contexts. Based on the results of literature review, three variables (i.e., the club membership subscription, negative memory, and Facebook fan page visit) were identified,...

This study examines the gender differences in user-generated travel photographs posted on social networking services. Using 515 travel photographs—285 generated by females and 230 generated by males—from China's Sina Weibo website, the study analyzes the gender differences in the photographs...

Social networking is currently the most popular online activity among consumers worldwide. Today in business context, Social media is achieving increasing importance as a channel for consumer's online participation and engagement. Brands are developing its presence in social networking sites to...

New sellers who enter online marketplaces have to build up an online reputation in order to be successful. I examine how sellers use "free'' (offering products at a zero price) as a dynamic pricing strategy to encourage consumers to experience their products, thereby increasing the number of...