Next Article in Journal
Categorizing Foods by Relative Healthfulness: A Scoping Review of Front of Pack Labelling
Next Article in Special Issue
A Study on the Preliminary Validity Analysis of Korean Firefighter Job-Related Physical Fitness Test
Previous Article in Journal
Developing a Complex Understanding of Physical Activity in Cardiometabolic Disease from Low-to-Middle-Income Countries—A Qualitative Systematic Review with Meta-Synthesis
Previous Article in Special Issue
Examining the Role of Life Skills in Mediating the Relationship between the Basic Psychological Needs and Subjective Well-Being of Taekwondo Student-Athletes
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Relations of Conspicuous Consumption Tendency, Self-Expression Satisfaction, and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities

1
Department of Sports and Leisure Industry, Sehan University, Dangjin 31746, Korea
2
Department of Sport Science, Yongin University, Yongin 17092, Korea
3
FA Sports Co., Ltd. 3, Seoul 04998, Korea
4
Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul 01794, Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211979
Submission received: 12 October 2021 / Revised: 4 November 2021 / Accepted: 5 November 2021 / Published: 15 November 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Physiology in Health and Disease)

Abstract

:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the relations of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities. For a week from 17–23 March 2021, an online survey was conducted targeting the enrolled students of university in Chungcheongnam-do. Out of a total of 398 questionnaires, a total of 394 questionnaires (98.9%) were used for the final analysis after excluding four questionnaires with low reliability. This study was analyzed using SPSS by IBM 23.0(New York, NY, USA) and AMOS 21.0 (New York, NY, USA). In the results of this study, first, the factors such as imported goods/famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency had significant effects on the self-expression satisfaction. Second, the factors such as imported goods/famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency of Gen Z through SNS activities had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction. Third, the self-expression satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction.

1. Introduction

1.1. Necessity of Research

Because modern society develops rapidly, it is known that the generation gap widens, showing a clear difference between generations [1,2]. The Gen Z generation (Gen Z) which shares many characteristics with the Millennials also has its own new behavioral pattern. Today, companies should understand those unique characteristics of Gen Z [3]. Gen Z means the generation born after 1995 [4,5]. The Millennials view that joining a large company (Samsung Electronics, Google, Disney, Apple, etc.) admired by everyone as a ‘dream job’ is a way to promote their success and personal growth [6,7]. On the other hand, Gen Z is not passionate about the hard-earned income after investing much time of their lives in a company, but focusing on their own freedom and interes. In other words, Gen Z longs for creating high profits by freely working in the field they are interested in and confident about, instead of hard-earned income. As a perfect online generation, the whole life of Gen Z is deeply related to the internet. Recently, they have been found to dominate the consumption market through their own methods by using YouTube, online shopping, Instagram, Facebook, and Weibo. In this way, Gen Z is actively utilizing digital technology for consumption activities [8]. In the pre-stage of a product purchase, they objectively search and collect information about products by using social media or community, and prefer the online/mobile purchase of almost every consumer goods item [9].
They not only purchase goods, but also share everything online [10]. They want their thoughts or emotions to be recognized and empathized by online social relationships. Gen Z perceives online not only as a space for sharing information and relationships with others, but also as a space for expressing themselves [11,12,13]. Those self-expression characteristics of Gen Z are clearly shown in the consumption market. After perceiving Gen Z as a new consumption power, to meet their needs, the online consumption market is taking an active attitude such as developing quick distribution services and personalized bidirectional communication services based on digital technology [14].
Gen Z shows a remarkable consumption pattern focusing on luxury brands in order to show themselves off, and they show off and express themselves differently from the existing generations [15]. In relation to this, a research by Barrera and Ponce (2020) noted that the young consumers would show the snob consumption pattern of purchasing luxury brand goods based on their great interest in the luxury category [16]. Taylor and Strutton (2016) reported that they could compare themselves with others by using Facebook, and there would be a significant correlation between the desire for promoting oneself and the tendency to participate in conspicuous consumption [17]. A research by Krause et al. (2019) also presented the significant correlation between use of Instagram and conspicuous consumption tendency [18]. In this perspective, Gen Z which is called perfect online generation is consuming as a means to show off themselves online, which is utilized as a means to express ‘Who they are?’ to other people. The conspicuous consumption tendency through continuous SNS activities is utilized as a space for expressing oneself, and when feeling satisfied with it, it is led to continuous SNS activities.
In the era when everything (interpersonal relationship, shopping, education, communication, hobby, etc.) could be done online, it is important to understand the conspicuous consumption tendency according to the characteristics of Gen Z representing the online market [19,20,21]. Moreover, it would be necessary to have researches on the influence relation between self-expression satisfaction of online activity and continuous online activity intention.
Thus, it would be important to analyze the characteristics of Gen Z rising as a new leading role of consumption market, and also to understand a certain approach to increase their consumption. However, most of the existing researches are simply related to the consumption results (satisfaction, behavioral intentions, etc.) of Gen Z [22,23,24,25,26].
Thus, this study aimed to understand the accurate consumption tendency of Gen Z by analyzing the relations of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities. The study also aimed to present the marketing sales strategies for drawing them to the consumption market.

1.2. Purpose of This Study

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities. Through this process, this study purposes to present the efficient marketing sales strategies that could be applied to the actual field, by understanding the consumption tendency and characteristics of Gen Z rising as a leading role of future consumption.

2. Methods

2.1. Research Subjects

For a week from 17–23 March 2021, a Google online survey was conducted targeting the enrolled students of university in the Chungnam region. Out of a total of 398 questionnaires, a total of 394 questionnaires (98.9%) were used for the final analysis after excluding four questionnaires with low reliability. The general characteristics of the research subjects are presented in Table 1.

2.2. Research Tools

2.2.1. Composition of Research Tools

For the questionnaire items related to conspicuous consumption tendency, this study used a preceding research by Jang and Heo (2009) that developed a scale for measuring the conspicuous consumption tendency of adolescent consumers, by modifying/complementing it in a way suitable for this study [27]. For the questionnaire items related to self-expression satisfaction, this study used a research by Park (2006) on the relation between consumer self-expression and satisfaction of online shopping malls, by modifying/complementing it in a way suitable for this study [28]. For the questionnaire items related to SNS use satisfaction, this study used a research by Choi and Park (2019) on the relation between characteristics of SNS fan page and use satisfaction of professional baseball teams [29], by modifying/complementing it in a way suitable for this study. The details are shown in the following in Table 2.

2.2.2. Verification of Validity of Research Tools

To verify the validity and reliability of questionnaire, the construct validity (β) and convergent validity (AVE, CR) were verified by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis. The construct validity is judged to be secured when the β value of observation variable is 0.5 or higher. As an index for understanding the reliability and validity of latent variable itself, the convergent validity is judged to be secured when the value of Average Variance Extracted (AVE) is 0.5 or higher, and the value of construct reliability (CR) is 0.7 or higher [30]. In the results of verification, except for the items of pursuit of trend 10, status symbol 18, and self-expression 1, all the remaining items met the construct validity and convergent validity. In the results of understanding the goodness of fit of the model realized by using the AMOS 21.0, it was shown that χ2 = 546.173, df = 214, p < 0.001, GFI = 0.892, TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95, RMR = 0.048, and RMSEA = 0.063, which met the goodness of fit. The concrete contents are presented in Table 3.

2.2.3. Verification of Reliability of Research Tools

The internal consistency of the research tools used for this study was verified. As a result, it was shown as 0.896 for imported goods/famous brands, 0.711 for high-priced articles, 0.87 for pursuit of trend, 0.792 for status symbol, 0.894 for self-expression satisfaction, and 0.931 for SNS use satisfaction, which was higher than the reference value (0.7) of reliability, thus the internal consistency was verified. The detailed contents are presented in Table 4.

2.3. Data Processing Methods

Using the SPSS 23.0, the data analysis was conducted as follows. To understand the characteristics of the research subjects, the frequency analysis was performed. To verify the validity (construct validity, convergent validity) and internal consistency of the research tools, the confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted. Then, to verify the degree of independence and correlation between factors, a correlation analysis was conducted. In order to verify the hypotheses of this study, a multiple regression analysis was performed.

3. Results

3.1. Correlation Analysis

In the results of verifying the correlation coefficient value between factors through correlation analysis, the value was shown as r = 0.209~0.696 (p < 0.01), which showed significantly positive (+) correlation between factors. The correlation analysis is judged to have a problem with multicollinearity when the correlation between factors is the reference value or higher (r > 0.8). The high correlation between factors means that it is meaningless to divide those two factors as the correlation between them is so natural. The detailed contents of correlation coefficient value between factors presented in this study are shown in Table 5.

3.2. Verification of Hypotheses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relations of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities. Through this process, this study aimed to present the efficient marketing measures that could be applied to the actual field, by understanding the consumption tendency and characteristics of Gen Z rising as a new leading role of future consumption. The results of analyses for examining this purpose are as follows.

3.2.1. Relation between Conspicuous Consumption Tendency and Self-Expression Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities

The explanatory power of subfactors of conspicuous consumption tendency on the self-expression satisfaction was 38.3%. In detail, only the factors such as imported goods·famous brands (β = 0.150), high-priced articles (β = 0.195), and status symbol (β = 0.307) had significant effects on the self-expression satisfaction, while the pursuit of trend (β = 0.106) did not have significant effects on it. In the results of verifying the goodness of fit of the model, it was shown as suitable (F = 61.993, p < 0.001) in Table 6.

3.2.2. Relation between Conspicuous Consumption Tendency and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities

The explanatory power of subfactors of conspicuous consumption tendency on the SNS use satisfaction was 15.2%. In detail, only the factors like imported goods·famous brands (β = 0.192), high-priced articles (β = 0.159), and status symbol (β = 0.215) had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction while the pursuit of trend (β = 0.118) did not have significant effects on it. In the results of verifying the goodness of fit of the model, it was shown as suitable (F = 18.628, p < 0.001) in Table 7.

3.2.3. Relation between Self-Expression Satisfaction and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities

The explanatory power of self-expression satisfaction on the SNS use satisfaction was 18.2%. In detail, the self-expression satisfaction (β = 0.429) had significant effects on it. In the results of verifying the goodness of fit of the model, it was shown as suitable (F = 88.593, p < 0.001) in Table 8.

4. Discussions

Based on the results drawn for examining the relations of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities, this study aims to have discussions as follows.
First, in the results of verifying, only the factors such as imported goods·famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency of Gen Z through SNS activities had significant effects on the self-expression satisfaction. This result supports the results of existing researches reporting that the consumption tendency of Gen Z does not pursue the trend unconditionally, but pursue each one’s individuality [31,32,33]. Among the researches examining the relation between conspicuous consumption tendency and self-expression satisfaction, a research by Lee (2020) indicated that when the consumers voluntarily reveal the brands they consume on SNS, they are feeling self-satisfaction and are also conscious of the attention from the peer group and acquaintances based on their desire to feel a sense of belonging to a group, which supports the results of this study [34]. As such, the consumers feel satisfied and recognized by others like friends and acquaintances by voluntarily sharing what they consumed in writing and photos on SNS.
Moreover, a research by Kim and Kim (2018) on the degree of self-expression satisfaction according to conspicuous tendency through Instagram indicated that the consumers who uploaded the review of visits to Seoul luxury hotels through Instagram would feel satisfied by consuming the space of hotels as a type of conspicuous self-expression pretending to live a fancy, wonderful, and rich life to others [35]. A research by Lee and Lee (2013) on the relation between consumption value of luxury brands and consumer happiness emphasizes the necessity of promotion strategies reflecting that the consumers who pursue the conspicuous/social consumption value regard symbolism, prestige, and honor as important, and also feel satisfied through them, which is supporting the results of this study [36]. Additionally, a research by Krause et al. (2019) reported that showing off and revealing one’s desire to get socially recognized through SNS are related to the formation of positive relationships in interests, which accords with the results of this study. As such, Gen Z feels satisfied with their own looks shown to others, by purchasing products to show off their own individuality, rather than purchasing mass-produced products that could be easily purchased. When the Millennials purchase high-priced products (luxury goods, limited edition, etc.), they mostly aim to feel satisfied by purchasing a single great product in the aspect of self-reward. However, Gen Z considers luxury goods as necessities for life, which shows the characteristics of the conspicuous consumption tendency of Gen Z.
Second, in the results of verifying, only the factors such as imported goods·famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency of Gen Z through SNS activities had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction. In relation to this result, a research by Lee and Kim (2020) reported that the consumers who performed a conspicuous consumption behavior and then uploaded it on Instagram, feel positive emotions, and such emotions have significant effects on the consumer happiness (satisfaction) [37], which is supporting the results of this study. Moreover, a study by Kim (2018) on the relation between conspicuous consumption tendency by sensitivity to honor and self-esteem, and college life satisfaction, the consumers with strong sensitivity to honor have a strong tendency to exaggeratedly reveal more than what they have such as purchase of product, travel, eating out, and leisure activity through various SNS such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, in order not to lose honor, or to raise it [38]. In other words, it reports that when the consumers feel satisfied with such activities, it has effects on their continuous consumption behavior, which is supporting the results of this study. A research by Widjajanta et al. (2018) on the relation between social media use and consumption pride (satisfaction) showed that the self-display through the use of social media would increase their own pride [39]. In other words, revealing and showing off oneself by sharing the consumption through social media could have positive effects on the increase of psychological satisfaction. Additionally, according to Ferreira (2016), the consumers ostentatiously show consumption behaviors to reveal their own social status; the social media provides a new platform to reveal this conspicuous consumption of individuals; and there is a positive correlation between social media use and conspicuous consumption, which explains the relation between conspicuous consumption and SNS use satisfaction [40]. This way, the SNS is usually used for the formation of mutual relationships and sharing information through the internet; thus, the consumers have strong desires to show themselves off and to be recognized in relationships through SNS. When such desires are met through the SNS, the consumers feel satisfied with the SNS use.
Third, in the results of verifying, the self-expression satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction. This result accords with the results of a research by Lee (2020) reporting that the active self-expression through SNS could improve the SNS use satisfaction and also have positive effects on the life satisfaction [41]. A research by Kim, Baek, and Choo (2017) also reported that the high self-expression desire through the SNS could be led to the tendency to show active SNS activities such as taking selfies and sharing daily life. Additionally [42], a research by Shane-Simpson, Manago, Gaggi, and Gillespie-Lynch (2018) shows that the Instagram users are more active in self-expression by showing higher-level of self-disclosure than the Facebook users, which accords with the results of this study [43]. Moreover, a research by DeAndrea, Shaw, and Levine (2010) reported that the cultural formation of SNS could have positive effects on the self-construal and self-expression of consumers, and moreover, it would form a positive attitude in user satisfaction, which is supporting the results of this study [44]. A research by Park (2016) revealed that the satisfaction of social game use becomes higher in the case when the self-expression is actively expressed within a social game [45]. Furthermore, a research by Park, Yoon, and Kim (2015) reports that the satisfaction becomes increased in the case when the self-expression is actively performed within tourism social media, and moreover, this is led to its continuous use, which is supporting the results of this study [46]. Therefore, as a perfect online generation, Gen Z wants to get empathized by sharing their own daily life, individuality, and self-expression with many people beyond the formation of limited social relationships such as offline acquaintances and colleagues.

5. Conclusions and Suggestions

5.1. Conclusions

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relations of conspicuous consumption tendency, self-expression satisfaction, and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities. Through this process, this study aimed to present the efficient marketing measures that could be applied to the actual field, by understanding the consumption tendency and characteristics of Gen Z rising as a new leading role of future consumption. Based on such results, this study aimed to put together conclusions as follows.
First, only the factors like imported goods·famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency had significant effects on the self-expression satisfaction. Second, only the factors like imported goods·famous brands, high-priced articles, and status symbol except for pursuit of trend of conspicuous consumption tendency of Gen Z through SNS activities had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction. Third, the self-expression satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS had significant effects on the SNS use satisfaction.
Based on the above, as a rising leading role of new consumption, Gen Z leads the popularization of luxury goods, sensitively responds to their own status and individuality, and feels satisfied with the formation of social relationships by using it. Thus, Gen Z is a new generation who will lead the future consumption trend in various industrial areas; hence, the domestic/foreign companies would need to have efficient marketing and sales strategies by applying the expression of consumers’ individuality, diversification of option, high-quality strategy compared to price, VIP system, and personal signature design products such as BESPOKE of Samsung Electronics, color diversification of GALAXY, and limited edition of collaboration of a famous sports brand.

5.2. Suggestions

For follow-up researches, this study aims to make suggestions as follows. First, this study conducted the research by targeting the enrolled students of university in the Chungnam region, thus it is limited to generalize the results of this study. Thus, by conducting the analysis on the consumption tendency by expanding the sample from university students to the whole Gen Z, it would be possible to accurately understand the characteristics of Gen Z, and also to establish the marketing strategies meeting their needs. Second, as shown in this study, it would be necessary to conduct a research on the characteristics and conspicuous consumption tendency of a group that is more actively utilizing SNS activities, which could draw data that would be helpful for planning the marketing strategies through SNS. Third, it would also be needed to examine the relations of various factors for analyzing the current market condition by reflecting the characteristics of Gen Z besides the factors of this study, which could draw some analysis data in a more multilateral perspective. Fourth, in future research, it will be necessary to use SEM to take errors into account.

Author Contributions

S.-A.S. conducted the design and research of the study. E.-H.C. wrote the analysis by analyzing the data, and J.-K.K. and J.-O.J. conducted research and contributed to the writing of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received funding of Sehan University in 2021 (1 October 2021), Dangjin of Korea.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Sehan University (IRB No. SH-IRB 2021−81).

Informed Consent Statement

All participants gave their informed consent for inclusion before they participated in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy issues.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. Furthermore, the funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

References

  1. Hwang, S.M.; Yang, J.Y. Psychological exploration of generation group in Korean society: Analysis of generation image of college student group through the perspective of transitive coexistence. Korean J. Psychol. Soc. Personal. 2002, 16, 75–93. [Google Scholar]
  2. Inglehart, R. Modernization, postmodernization and changing perceptions of risk. Int. Rev. Sociol. 1997, 7, 449–459. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. Schroth, H. Are You Ready for Gen Z in the Workplace? Calif. Manag. Rev. 2019, 61, 5–18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Bassiouni, D.H.; Hackley, C. ‘Generation Z’children’s adaptation to digital consumer culture: A critical literature review. J. Cust. Behav. 2014, 13, 113. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Bencsik, A.; Machova, R. Knowledge sharing problems from the viewpoint of intergeneration management. In Proceedings of the ICMLG2016-4th International Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance, St. Petersburg, Russia, 14–15 April 2016. [Google Scholar]
  6. Montana, P.J.; Petit, F. Motivating And Managing Generation X And Y On The Job While Preparing For Z: A Market Oriented Approach. J. Bus. Econ. Res. 2008, 6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Tulgan, B. Meet Generation Z: The Second Generation within the Giant” Millennial” Cohort; Rainmaker Thinking: Hamden, CT, USA, 2013; p. 125. [Google Scholar]
  8. Choi, I.Y. A study on education goals of communication design studies for Gen Z. J. Korean Soc. Des. Cult. 2015, 21, 675–683. [Google Scholar]
  9. Park, S.G. An Exploratory Study on Shopping Tendency, Clothing Consumption Value, and Purchase Decision-Making Process of Gen Z Women. Master’s Thesis, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, 2018. [Google Scholar]
  10. Ahn, E.J.; Cho, J.H.; Kim, S.S. Correlation Analysis of Consumer Consumption Value, Product Image, and Purchase Intention in SNS Environment: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Online Shopping Use Experience. E-Bus. Res. 2021, 22, 3–22. [Google Scholar]
  11. Oh, J.Y. Effects of Motivation for Using Instagram on the Attributes of Influencers and Relationship Maintenance: Focusing on DISC Behavioral Patterns and Generation Types as Moderating Variables. Ph.D. Thesis, Graduate School of Hongik University, Seoul, Korea, 2019. [Google Scholar]
  12. Oh, H.S.; Moon, H.Y. A Study on Changes in Values of Gen Z Teenagers; Research Report; Korea Youth Policy Institute: Seoul, Korea, 2020; pp. 1–280. [Google Scholar]
  13. Ayuni, R.F. The online shopping habits and e-loyalty of Gen Z as natives in the digital era. J. Indones. Econ. Bus. 2019, 34, 168–184. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Dabija, D.C.; Lung, L. Millennials versus gen Z: Online shopping behaviour in an emerging market. In Griffiths School of Management and IT Annual Conference on Business, Entrepreneurship and Ethics; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2018; pp. 1–18. [Google Scholar]
  15. Goldring, D.; Azab, C. B28New rules of social media shopping: Personality differences of US Gen Z versus Gen X market mavens. J. Consum. Behav. 2020, 20, 884–897. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Barrera, G.A.; Ponce, H.R. Personality traits influencing young adults’ conspicuous consumption. Int. J. Consum. Stud. 2020, 45, 335–349. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Taylor, D.G.; Strutton, D. Does Facebook usage lead to conspicuous consumption? J. Res. Interact. Mark. 2016, 10, 231–248. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Krause, H.V.; Wagner, A.; Krasnova, H.; Große Deters, F.; Baumann, A.; Buxmann, P. Keeping Up with the Joneses: Instagram Use and its Influence on Conspicuous Consumption. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems 2019, Munich, Germany, 15–18 December 2019. [Google Scholar]
  19. Giarla, V. Generational Social Media: How Social Media Influences the Online and In-Person Relationships of Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z. Bachelor’s Thesis, Salem State University, Salem, MA, USA, 2019. [Google Scholar]
  20. Rickes, P.C. Generations in flux: How Gen Z will continue to transform higher education space. Plan. High. Educ. 2016, 44, 21. [Google Scholar]
  21. Tiwari, P.; Joshi, H. Factors influencing online purchase intention towards online shopping of Gen Z. Int. J. Bus. Compet. Growth 2020, 7, 175–187. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Davies, A. Decoding Gen Z Identity Construction in Social Networks Through The Paradigm of Branding; OCAD University Open Research Repository: Toronto, ON, Canada, 2020. [Google Scholar]
  23. Kirvesmies, T. Parasocial Relationships between Gen Z and Social Media Endorsers. Master’s Thesis, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland, 2018. [Google Scholar]
  24. Puiu, S. Generation Z—A new type of consumers. Rev. Tinerilor Econ. 2016, 27, 67–78. [Google Scholar]
  25. Tunsakul, K. Gen Z Consumers’ Online Shopping Motives, Attitude, and Shopping Intention. Hum. Behav. Dev. Soc. 2020, 21, 7–16. [Google Scholar]
  26. Wansi, J. How Do Instagram Influencers Affect the Consumer Buying Behaviour of Gen-Z; Artevelde University of Applied Sciences: Ghent, Belgium, 2020. [Google Scholar]
  27. Jang, H.S.; Heo, K.O. Development of scale for measuring the conspicuous consumption tendency of adolescent consumers. Consum. Policy Educ. Rev. 2009, 5, 55–74. [Google Scholar]
  28. Park, J.S. A Study on social presence of online shopping mall, self-expression, and satisfaction. J. Mark. Stud. 2006, 14, 63–101. [Google Scholar]
  29. Choi, M.S.; Park, C. Effects of characteristics of SNS fan page and viewing intention of professional baseball teams. J. Econ. Manag. Stud. 2019, 39, 77–101. [Google Scholar]
  30. Heo, J. Easy AMOS Structural Equation Model by Heo Joon; Hannarae Publishing Co.: Seoul, Korea.
  31. Bae, J.S. Structural relations of mobile advertising characteristics, personal characteristics, purchasing attitude, and purchasing behavior-Focusing on adolescent consumers. J. Korea Contents Assoc. 2020, 20, 303–317. [Google Scholar]
  32. Chu, J.G. A research study on the perception of New Generation on SNS-Focusing on the comparison of words related to ‘Gen Y’ and ‘Gen Z’ using social big data. J. Korea Des. Forum 2020, 66, 117–129. [Google Scholar]
  33. Jeong, J.Y.; Park, S.H.; Won, Y.-S. Sports consumption behavior according to lifestyle and consumption value of Gen Z. Korean J. Sports Sci. 2019, 28, 15–31. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Lee, Y. A study on the effects of the SNS use focused on the social relationships on the self-expression in SNS, off-line activity, and the life satisfaction. J. Converg. Cult. Technol. 2020, 6, 301–312. [Google Scholar]
  35. Kim, M.Y.; Kim, J.H. Seoul luxury hotels as a space for conspicuous self-expression through Instagram. Seoul Stud. 2018, 19, 95–113. [Google Scholar]
  36. Lee, C.W.; Lee, S.H. A study on relations of consumption value, identification, attachment, and consumer happiness of luxury brands, and the moderating effects of self-interpretation. J. Distrib. Manag. Res. 2013, 16, 29–42. [Google Scholar]
  37. Lee, S.J.; Kim, N.D. A comparative study on conspicuous consumption behavior in Instagram and real space. J. Digit. Converg. 2020, 18, 205–220. [Google Scholar]
  38. Kim, H.R. A study on the effects of sensitivity to honor and self-esteem on the conspicuous consumption tendency and college life satisfaction: Focusing on college students in Daejeon region. Int. J. Tour. Hosp. Res. 2018, 32, 193–204. [Google Scholar]
  39. Widjajanta, B.; Senen, S.H.; Masharyono, M.; Lisnawati, L.; Anggraeni, C.P. The impact of social media usage and self-esteem on conspicuous consumption: Instagram user of Hijabers Community Bandung member. Int. J. Ebusiness Egovernment Stud. 2018, 10, 1–13. [Google Scholar]
  40. Ferreira, C. Social Media Performance of User Generated Content and Its Relationship with Conspicuous Consumption: Through the Lens of the Expectation Confirmation Theory. Master’s Thesis, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 2016. [Google Scholar]
  41. Lee, S.M. Effects of conspicuous consumption tendency and self-expression desire on the brand sharing motivation on SNS: Mediating effects of other-oriented value and self-expression-oriented value. J. Commun. Des. 2020, 73, 81–93. [Google Scholar]
  42. Kim, D.S.; Baek, E.; Choo, H.J. The Effect of Self-Presentation and Self-Expression attitude on Selfie Behavior in SNS. Fash. Text. Res. J. 2017, 19, 701–711. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Shane-Simpson, C.; Manago, A.; Gaggi, N.; Gillespie-Lynch, K. Why do college students prefer Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? Site affordances, tensions between privacy and self-expression, and implications for social capital. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2018, 86, 276–288. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  44. Deandrea, D.C.; Shaw, A.S.; Levine, T.R. Online Language: The Role of Culture in Self-Expression and Self-Construal on Facebook. J. Lang. Soc. Psychol. 2010, 29, 425–442. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Park, C.H. A study on the effects of social syntonization, relationship, and self-expression on the satisfaction of social game. J. Manag. Educ. 2016, 27, 117–132. [Google Scholar]
  46. Park, H.J.; Yoon, J.H.; Kim, Y.H. Effects of motivation for use and self-expression of tourism social media on the tourism experience, satisfaction, and re-use intention. J. Tour. Leis. Res. 2015, 27, 379–396. [Google Scholar]
Table 1. General characteristics (N = 394).
Table 1. General characteristics (N = 394).
ClassificationFrequency%
GenderMale students23258.9
Female students16241.1
School year1st15539.3
2nd10025.4
3rd8621.8
3rd8621.8
4th5313.5
Period of SNS useLess than 1 year194.8
Less than 2 years102.5
Less than 3 years194.8
Less than 4 years276.9
5 years or up31981.0
The number of weekly SNS upload1 time24461.9
2 times4912.4
3 times358.9
4 times133.3
5 times61.5
6 times or more4711.9
The number of daily comment/DM/communication1 time14536.8
2 times389.6
3 times4912.4
4 times225.6
5 times133.3
6 times or more12732.2
Total394100
Table 2. Composition of questionnaire.
Table 2. Composition of questionnaire.
FactorContentsNo. of Items
Demographic characteristicsGender, school year, period of SNS use, the number of weekly SNS upload, the number of daily comment/DM/communication5
Conspicuous consumption tendencyConspicuous factor of imported goods/famous brands(6)
Conspicuous factor of high-priced articles(3)
Conspicuous factor of pursuit of trend(5)
Conspicuous factor of status symbol(4)
18
Self-expression satisfactionSelf-expression satisfaction4
SNS use satisfactionSNS use satisfaction4
Total31
Table 3. Verification of validity.
Table 3. Verification of validity.
ItemβBS.E.AVECR
Imported goods·famous brands10.6351-0.6050.901
Imported goods·famous brands20.8081.1810.078
Imported goods·famous brands30.7571.1940.094
Imported goods·famous brands40.8211.1540.086
Imported goods·famous brands50.8211.2380.092
Imported goods·famous brands60.8721.2770.091
High-priced articles70.8621-0.6200.829
High-priced articles80.9151.0450.049
High-priced articles90.7070.8790.056
Pursuit of trend110.7951-0.6710.891
Pursuit of trend120.8161.0550.06
Pursuit of trend130.8171.0560.06
Pursuit of trend140.8321.1830.066
Status symbol150.7581-0.5070.755
Status symbol160.8021.0450.07
Status symbol170.6840.9240.072
Self-expression satisfaction20.8321-0.6860.868
Self-expression satisfaction30.8611.0970.054
Self-expression satisfaction40.8851.0220.049
SNS use satisfaction10.8331-0.7640.928
SNS use satisfaction20.9521.0730.042
SNS use satisfaction30.9221.0140.042
SNS use satisfaction40.810.8520.044
Deleted items: Pursuit of trend10, Status symbol18, Self-expression satisfaction1, GFI = 0.892, TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.95, RMR = 0.048, RMSEA = 0.063, χ2 = 546.173, df = 214, p < 0.001.
Table 4. Verification of reliability.
Table 4. Verification of reliability.
FactorSubfactorCronbach’s α
Conspicuous consumption tendencyImported goods·famous brands 0.896
High-priced articles0.711
Pursuit of trend0.870
Status symbol0.792
Self-expression satisfactionSelf-expression satisfaction0.894
SNS use satisfactionSNS use satisfaction0.931
Table 5. Verification of correlation.
Table 5. Verification of correlation.
123456
Imported goods·famous brands1
High-priced articles0.512 **1
Pursuit of trend0.696 **0.410 **1
Status symbol0.640 **0.467 **0.597 **1
Self-expression satisfaction0.520 **0.459 **0.474 **0.558 **1
SNS use satisfaction0.329 **0.309 **0.209 **0.341 **0.429 **1
** p < 0.01.
Table 6. Relation between conspicuous consumption tendency and self-expression satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities.
Table 6. Relation between conspicuous consumption tendency and self-expression satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities.
DependentIndependentβS.E.tp
Self-expression satisfaction(Constant)-0.1214.3320.001
Imported goods·famous brands 0.1500.0752.4220.016
High-priced articles0.1950.0484.1350.001
Pursuit of trend0.1060.0691.8480.065
Status symbol0.3070.0575.6170.001
R2 = 0.389, adj R2 = 0.383, F = 61.993, p < 0.001.
Table 7. Relation between conspicuous consumption tendency and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities.
Table 7. Relation between conspicuous consumption tendency and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS activities.
DependentIndependentβS.E.tp
SNS use satisfaction(Constant)-0.13016.8030.001
Imported goods·famous brands0.1920.0812.6400.009
High-priced articles0.1590.0512.8710.004
Pursuit of trend0.1180.0741.7540.080
Status symbol0.2150.0613.3500.001
R2 = 0.161, adj R2 = 0.152, F = 18.628, p < 0.001.
Table 8. Relation between self-expression satisfaction and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS.
Table 8. Relation between self-expression satisfaction and SNS use satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS.
DependentIndependentβS.E.tp
SNS use satisfaction(Constant)-0.10621.4960.001
Self-expression satisfaction0.4290.0429.4120.001
R2 = 0.184, adj R2 = 0.182, F = 88.593, p < 0.001.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Shin, S.-A.; Jang, J.-O.; Kim, J.-K.; Cho, E.-H. Relations of Conspicuous Consumption Tendency, Self-Expression Satisfaction, and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 11979. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211979

AMA Style

Shin S-A, Jang J-O, Kim J-K, Cho E-H. Relations of Conspicuous Consumption Tendency, Self-Expression Satisfaction, and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(22):11979. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211979

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shin, Seung-A., Jong-Oh Jang, Jong-Kul Kim, and Eun-Hyung Cho. 2021. "Relations of Conspicuous Consumption Tendency, Self-Expression Satisfaction, and SNS Use Satisfaction of Gen Z through SNS Activities" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 22: 11979. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211979

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop