Shuainan Li, Chee Wei Phang and Hong Ling
While previous research underscored self-presentation desire as an important motivator of digital item purchase, user needs for digital items may become increasingly inner-focused…
Abstract
Purpose
While previous research underscored self-presentation desire as an important motivator of digital item purchase, user needs for digital items may become increasingly inner-focused with the maturation of virtual communities (VCs). The purpose of this paper is to posit that self-discrepancy and self-gratification are key to explaining user purchase of digital items.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 310 users of a social media-based VC well supports the hypotheses.
Findings
The tenet of this study is that individuals purchase digital items in VCs not only for self-presentation purpose per se, but more importantly for reasons of more inner-focused, such as due to their self-discrepancy that motivates them to purchase digital items to enhance self-esteem, and also for self-gratification. Furthermore, self-discrepancy arising from comparing ones’ current self against how they perceive others expect them to ideally be (i.e. self-other discrepancy) increases their self-presentation desire.
Originality/value
Overall the findings enrich the current view that individuals purchase digital items mainly to present themselves to others (Kim et al., 2012), thus affording a more complete understanding of this behavior that has both important research and practical implications.
Details
Keywords
Gang Li, Shuainan Song, Qun Cai, Biao Wu and Zhichao Wen
For the purpose of saving nickel, this study aims to develop new duplex stainless steel cored wires suitable for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with the addition of…
Abstract
Purpose
For the purpose of saving nickel, this study aims to develop new duplex stainless steel cored wires suitable for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with the addition of nitrogen.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of nitrogen content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the thin-walled deposits is investigated in detail.
Findings
The microstructure of thin-walled deposits mainly consists of austenite, ferrite and secondary austenite. With increasing nitrogen content, the austenite in the deposited metals increases. The austenite proportion in the bottom region is more than that in the top region of the deposited metals. The χ phase is randomly distributed at the grain boundaries and within ferrite. The σ phase is mainly precipitated at ferrite and austenite grain boundaries. With increasing nitrogen content, the tensile strength of the deposited metals increases, but the impact toughness of the deposited metals deteriorates.
Originality/value
This study proposes new duplex stainless steel cored wires for WAAM, which realizes the objective of saving nickel.
Details
Keywords
Toritseju Begho and Shuainan Liu
People often look to the opinions and actions of others to guide their food choices, especially when they are uncertain or unfamiliar with a particular food. This influence can be…
Abstract
Purpose
People often look to the opinions and actions of others to guide their food choices, especially when they are uncertain or unfamiliar with a particular food. This influence can be positive or negative depending on the context and can have an impact on food consumption and health outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analysed data from 500 young adult consumers in China and employed a multi-study design to examine various aspects of social proof and herd behaviour in food choices. Experiment 1 examined the influence of testimonials from an influential person on buying decisions and eating behaviour. Experiment 2 explored whether herd behaviour drives food options. Experiment 3 assessed the influence of social proof on food choices. Chi-square tests of independence were conducted to examine the relationship between social proof and food choice, as well as herd behaviour and food decision-making. Several logit regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that drive consumers' susceptibility to social proof and herding.
Findings
The results indicated that the source of feedback, whether from an influential person or a family member, did not have a statistically significant effect on the likelihood of following the food guide recommendations. The preference for a healthier food option was stronger than following the herd. In contrast, social proof in the form of reviews and ratings influenced participants' choices. The paper highlights the usefulness for stakeholders and policymakers seeking to promote healthier eating habits.
Originality/value
The originality lies in its comprehensive approach, combining multiple experiments and analytical methods.