The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Buying Behavior – A SEM Analysis

Abstract

Social media has fundamentally transformed consumer purchasing habits, exerting a substantial impact on how customers find items, engage with influencers, perceive social validation, and react to criticism and reviews. This research examines the various effects of social media on customers' purchase choices. The text explores how social interactive platforms enable product discovery via targeted marketing and organic content. This analysis focuses on the power of influencers, emphasizing their capacity to alter customer choices and stimulate purchases. The analysis examines the notion of social proof, illustrating how the presence of likes, shares, and comments may bolster the legitimacy and appeal of a product. Furthermore, the significance of feedback and reviews is evaluated, demonstrating how customer opinions and ratings contribute to trust and influence decision-making. This research endeavours to gain a thorough understanding of the intricate connection between social media and consumer purchasing behaviour by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and empirical data. The aim is to provide valuable insights for marketers and businesses who wish to effectively utilize social media strategies.