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Using Web 2.0 and Social Media Technologies to Foster Proenvironmental Action

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew T. Ballew

    (Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th Street, Claremont, CA 91711, USA)

  • Allen M. Omoto

    (Claremont Graduate University, 150 E 10th Street, Claremont, CA 91711, USA)

  • Patricia L. Winter

    (US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

Abstract

Research from a variety of disciplines suggests that online technologies ( i.e ., Web 2.0 and social media) have considerable potential for spurring proenvironmental action; however, relatively little work examines how to effectively capitalize on these communication and organization tools. This review paper describes the Technologies for Proenvironmental Action Model (TPAM), a conceptual framework that explicates how different functions of Web 2.0 and social media ( i.e ., informational, relational, and experiential) can generate and/or facilitate personal, social, and contextual pathways to environmentally responsible behaviors. As derived from the TPAM, the likelihood of achieving practical goals of increasing proenvironmental behaviors is enhanced when technological functions are matched to the different pathways to proenvironmental action. For example, the relational function of technologies, as exemplified by Social Networking Sites (SNSs), should be particularly effective in communicating social norms supportive of environmentally responsible behaviors. The TPAM is intended as a guide to develop novel approaches, research questions, and methodologies in leveraging Web 2.0 and social media technologies to promote proenvironmental action. Results will contribute to basic theory development and work in applied settings (e.g., local environmental organizations) in order to effectively communicate and organize with different segments of the population to increase sustainable behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew T. Ballew & Allen M. Omoto & Patricia L. Winter, 2015. "Using Web 2.0 and Social Media Technologies to Foster Proenvironmental Action," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:8:p:10620-10648:d:53870
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    3. Athapol Ruangkanjanases & Shu-Ling Hsu & Yenchun Jim Wu & Shih-Chih Chen & Jo-Yu Chang, 2020. "What Drives Continuance Intention towards Social Media? Social Influence and Identity Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-15, August.
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    5. Katerina Zdravkova, 2023. "Personalized Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-13, April.
    6. Maria del García-de los Salmones & Angel Herrero & Patricia Martínez, 2021. "Determinants of Electronic Word-of-Mouth on Social Networking Sites About Negative News on CSR," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 171(3), pages 583-597, July.
    7. Marco A Janssen & Allen Lee & Hari Sundaram, 2016. "Stimulating Contributions to Public Goods through Information Feedback: Some Experimental Results," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(7), pages 1-16, July.
    8. Aleksandra Kovacheva & Hillary J. D. Wiener & Ioannis Kareklas & Darrel Muehling, 2022. "Online Engagement with Memes and Comments about Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-19, July.
    9. Jihyeong Son & Changhyun Nam & Sonali Diddi, 2022. "Emotion or Information: What Makes Consumers Communicate about Sustainable Apparel Products on Social Media?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-13, March.
    10. Myoung-Jin Chae, 2021. "Driving Consumer Engagement through Diverse Calls to Action in Corporate Social Responsibility Messages on Social Media," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-22, March.
    11. Norhuda Salim & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman & Dzuraidah Abd Wahab & Ariff Azly Muhamed, 2020. "Influence of Social Media Usage on the Green Product Innovation of Manufacturing Firms through Environmental Collaboration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.

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