On the Negative Effects of E-Commerce: A Sociocognitive Exploration of Unregulated On-line Buying

Abstract

There is mounting anecdotal and survey evidence of unregulated buying on the Internet, including impulsive and compulsive buying that in extreme cases may constitute a behavioral addiction. Learning theory models of unregulated buying were critically reviewed and reconceptualized in terms of the self-regulatory mechanism from Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory. A new explanation of unregulated buying was proposed in which depression weakens effective self-regulation. Features that may have encouraged or discouraged unregulated buying were identified at popular electronic commerce sites. Many features may have disrupted accurate self-observation and fostered advantageous social comparisons with other excessive shoppers. The potential for unregulated consumption to disrupt orderly electronic marketplaces was discussed.

Online social capital: Understanding e-impulse buying in practice

“…Online convenience, including self-service and flexibility of tempo are described to lead to impulse buying (Iyer, 1989). Although online-shopping lacks certain tactile features that positively influence impulsive buying in a traditional way, online impulsive buying is indeed present (LaRose, 2001). According to Madhavaram and Laverie (2004) several stimuli that are responsible for online impulse purchases can be identified such as images of the product, banner advertisement types, price and special offers.…”

Impact Of Perceived Risk On Online Impulse Buying Tendency: An Empirical Study In The Consumer Market Of Pakistan

“…The most influential aspect that encourages consumers to buy their desired products online is convenience, since online stores are operational 24/7 and it is easier to compare products offered by numerous sellers worldwide [1]. As compared to traditional shopping, consumers do not have to face issues like store location and product availability while shopping online [2]. The advantages offered by online shopping are favoring consumers but quite often they encourage impulsiveness in online decision making which is beneficial for vendors [3].…”

Online Shopping Addiction: Symptoms, Causes and Effects

“…Most of the time however, shopping online for the above reasons, while also being under the effect of external factors and unable to control one's shopping impulses, turns into OSA. Lee and Park (2008) argue that since people with compulsive shopping behaviors may wish to avoid being seen by others while shopping so as not to be reminded of important normative standards and since online shopping allows them this opportunity (LaRose, 2001;Lee, Lennon, & Rudd, 2000;Schlosser, Black, Repertinger, & Freet, 1994), online shopping may be the best alternative for one exhibiting compulsive shopping behaviors. While there are many reasons for one to prefer shopping online, it is still difficult to state what the basic cause of OSA is.…”