Revealing the double-edged sword: Introducing the Technology and Consumer Well-being Paradox Model

Abstract

While discourse on technology and consumer well-being has been at the forefront of academics' and practitioners' agendas, the theoretical understanding of the complex interplay between technology and consumer well-being has remained tenuous. To address this gap in our understanding of technology's influence on consumer well-being, this research provides a comprehensive literature review of recent articles published in Psychology & Marketing. Findings indicate a double-edged sword where technology has the propensity to not only foster a state of negative well-being but can also enhance consumers' well-being. Additionally, a technology well-being paradox is uncovered whereby technology is used to manage the negative effects of technology use. Accordingly, we introduce the Technology and Consumer Well-being Paradox Model that incorporates technology's propensity to enhance, diminish, and manage eudaimonic and hedonic consumer well-being. Furthermore, the influence of the purpose of technology use and changes to consumer well-being over time with technology use are also considered. Finally, we provide pertinent avenues for future research to further understanding on the technology and consumer well-being paradox.