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Authentic isn't always best: When inauthentic social media influencers induce positive consumer purchase intention through inspiration

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  • Andonopoulos, Vasiliki
  • Lee, Jenny (Jiyeon)
  • Mathies, Christine

Abstract

This study explores whether and how varying levels of social media influencers (SMIs) personal authenticity affect consumer behavior in four experimental studies. Though consumers who perceive SMIs as being authentic express greater intention to purchase products endorsed by the SMIs, authenticity does not influence non-purchase behaviors. SMI authenticity also affects purchase intentions through trustworthiness and inspirational capacity. However, authenticity is not always necessary to influence consumer behavior. Inauthentic SMIs still can inspire consumers and positively influence their intentions to purchase hedonic products. These findings add value to existing literature and can inform effective SMI marketing strategies for various product categories.

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  • Andonopoulos, Vasiliki & Lee, Jenny (Jiyeon) & Mathies, Christine, 2023. "Authentic isn't always best: When inauthentic social media influencers induce positive consumer purchase intention through inspiration," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:75:y:2023:i:c:s0969698923002722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103521
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    8. Rosengren, Sara & Campbell, Colin & Rapp Farrell, Justine, 2024. "Tricks of the trade: Understanding and utilizing influencer tactics to improve retailer performance," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    9. Song, Shijie & Yao, Xinlin & Zhao, Yuxiang Chris & Ba, Zhichao, 2024. "Get inspired and pay for the goods: An investigation of customer inspiration and purchase intention in livestream shopping," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    10. Nadroo, Zeeshan Majeed & Lim, Weng Marc & Naqshbandi, Mohd Asif, 2024. "Domino effect of parasocial interaction: Of vicarious expression, electronic word-of-mouth, and bandwagon effect in online shopping," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
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