Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
11.7
4.6
Journals
JTAER
Special Issues
Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era
share announcement

Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era

A special issue of Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research (ISSN 0718-1876).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 137958

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Kowal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław, 50-137 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: the methodology of socio-economic sciences; economic psychology; managerial economics; multicultural influences of ICT and psychoanalysis
Dr. Paweł Weichbroth

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Software Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
Interests: AI; machine learning; information systems; software quality; mobile computing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

About the Special Issue

In an era of rapid digital transformation [1], electronic commerce (e-commerce) and information management are pivotal in driving economic development [2,3]. Businesses and economies worldwide increasingly rely on data-driven decision making [4], digital infrastructures [5], and innovative technologies to foster economy growth [6], efficiency [7], and resilience [8]. This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge research at the intersection of e-commerce and information management [9], offering new insights into how digital strategies [10], platforms, and technologies contribute to long-term economic and psychological wellbeing [11].

We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute their latest research, theoretical advancements, case studies, and technological innovations that align with the principles of economic development through digital commerce and information systems.

Keywords:

digital commerce; digital economy and psychological wellbeing; consumer psychology in E-commerce; AI and ethical decision making in digital markets; behavioral economics and consumer choices; trust and ethical AI in online transactions

  1. Digital Commerce for Economic and Psychological Sustainability
  • E-commerce models and business strategies that integrate economic and psychological wellbeing.
  • Green supply chain management and e-logistics innovations that prioritize the efficiency.
  • AI-driven practices in online retail: balancing automation, personalization, and ethical concerns.
  • The impact of digital commerce on consumer stress, cognitive overload, and decision fatigue.
  • Online shopping addiction and the ethical responsibility of digital commerce platforms.
  1. Smart Information Management, Data-Driven Decision Making, and Digital Ethics
  • Data governance and ethical AI in e-commerce: consumer rights, privacy, and autonomy.
  • Blockchain technology for transparent, eco-friendly, and psychologically secure supply chains.
  • Big data analytics for responsible business and consumption patterns: balancing efficiency with ethical concerns.
  • Cybersecurity, trust, and digital wellbeing: how online safety influences consumer behavior and mental health.
  • Algorithmic bias and fairness in digital commerce: ethical considerations in AI decision making.
  • The impact of AI-driven automation on human decision making and the need for transparency in recommendation systems.
  1. Digital Financial Inclusion, Socioeconomic Equity, and Psychological Resilience
  • The impact of fintech and mobile banking on consumer financial literacy.
  • Cryptocurrency, decentralized finance, and their psychological influence on trust and perceived risk.
  • Digital payment systems and financial inclusion: bridging economic inequalities while ensuring consumer confidence.
  • The role of behavioral finance in digital lending platforms and microfinance initiatives.
  • Psychological barriers to financial technology adoption and strategies for improving user trust and engagement.
  • The emotional impact of debt accumulation in digital finance: ethical considerations for fintech platforms.
  1. Innovations in Digital Marketing, Consumer Psychology, and Behavioral Economics
  • Digital marketing and its role in fostering responsible and ethical consumer behavior.
  • AI-driven customer personalization.
  • The influence of social media on purchasing decisions.
  • Gamification and behavioral economics.
  • The psychology of digital persuasion: ethical considerations in advertising and consumer engagement strategies.
  • Online reviews, brand perception, and digital word of mouth.
  1. Policy, Governance, and Ethical Frameworks for a Human-Centered Digital Economy
  • Regulations and policies for ensuring ethical e-commerce ecosystems.
  • Ethical concerns in AI-driven e-commerce and automated decision making from a psychological and social perspective.
  • The role of governments and international organizations in promoting ethical digital commerce.
  • Global trade policies through digital means: balancing economic growth with human needs.
  • The future of human–AI collaboration in digital commerce: governance strategies to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

References

  1. Guthrie, C., Fosso-Wamba, S., & Arnaud, J. B. (2021). Online consumer resilience during a pandemic: An exploratory study of e-commerce behavior before, during, and after a COVID-19 lockdown. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 61, 102569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102569
  2. Khrais, L. T. (2020). Role of artificial intelligence in shaping consumer demand in e-commerce. Future Internet, 12(12), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi12120226
  3. Kowal, J., Duda, E., Dunaj, K., Klebaniuk, J., Mäkiö, J., Pańka, E., & Soja, P. (2023). Digital Innovations for Sustainable Development in the Time of Crisis. International Journal of Pedagogy, Innovation and New Technologies, 9, 2-20.
  4. Miao, M., Jalees, T., Zaman, S. I., & Khan, S. (2022). The influence of e-customer satisfaction, e-trust, and perceived value on consumer's repurchase intention in B2C e-commerce segment. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 34(5), 1072–1090. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-03-2021-0221
  5. Oláh, J., Kitukutha, N., Haddad, H., Pakurár, M., & Máté, D. (2018). Achieving sustainable e-commerce in environmental, social and economic dimensions by taking possible trade-offs. Sustainability, 11(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010089
  6. Obracht-Prondzyńska, H., Duda, E., Anacka, H., & Kowal, J. (2022). Greencoin as an AI-based solution shaping climate awareness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18), 11183. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811183
  7. Parajuly, K., Fitzpatrick, C., Muldoon, O., & Kuehr, R. (2020). Behavioral change for the circular economy: A review with focus on electronic waste management in the EU. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 161, 104933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104933
  8. Sima, V., Gheorghe, I. G., Subić, J., & Nancu, D. (2020). Influences of the industry 4.0 revolution on the human capital development and consumer behavior: A systematic review. Sustainability, 12(10), 4035. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104035
  9. Tran, L. T. T. (2021). Managing the effectiveness of e-commerce platforms in a pandemic. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 58, 102287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102287
  10. Wang, Y., Xiang, D., Yang, Z. Y., & Ma, S. S. (2019). Unraveling customer sustainable consumption behaviors in sharing economy: A socio-economic approach based on social exchange theory. Journal of Cleaner Production, 227, 928–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.026
  11. Weichbroth, P., Wereszko, K., Anacka, H., & Kowal, J. (2023). Security of cryptocurrencies: A view on the state-of-the-art research and current developments. Sensors, 23(6), 3155. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23063155

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Kowal
Dr. Paweł Weichbroth
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digital commerce
  • digital economy and psychological well-being
  • consumer psychology in E-Commerc
  • AI and ethical decision-making in digital markets
  • behavioral economics and consumer choices
  • trust and ethical AI in online transactions

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (19 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

26 pages, 1171 KB  
Article
Evaluation Model for Determining the Level of E-Commerce Development in Romania Within the European Context, Using Advanced Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques
by Costel-Iliuță Negricea, Cristina Coculescu, Ana Maria Mihaela Iordache, Laura Daniela Roșca and Alexandru Dan Smedescu
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21040115 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 286
Abstract
In recent years, the e-commerce sector has undergone continuous adaptation to both consumer needs and the economic context. This adaptation is driven by technological advances and the development of new software products. The present study aimed at achieving two primary objectives. First, it [...] Read more.
In recent years, the e-commerce sector has undergone continuous adaptation to both consumer needs and the economic context. This adaptation is driven by technological advances and the development of new software products. The present study aimed at achieving two primary objectives. First, it sought to assess the current state of e-commerce development in Romania within the broader European context. Second, it identified the use of AI-driven automation as a potential strategy for improving e-commerce in the country. To this end, e-commerce indicators were extracted from the questionnaire “ICT Usage and E-commerce in Enterprises,” which was conducted by National Statistical Authorities and centralized at the level of the European Commission. The questionnaire was carried out on a sample of 157,000 companies. A range of sophisticated techniques were employed to these indicators with the aim of reducing their dimensionality and classification error, with the objective of achieving a robust classification with the lowest possible error rate. We then proceeded to analyze Romania’s position in this ranking and, given the structure of e-commerce companies in the country, proposed the use of AI-driven automation as a potential strategy for enhancing activity in this sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 529 KB  
Article
Platform-Specific Quality Dimensions in Instagram Commerce: How Social Media Features Drive Consumer Behavior
by Iván Veas-González, Manuel Escobar-Farfán, Gabriela Pizarro-Veloso, Nelson Carrión-Bosquez, Aurora Sánchez Ortiz, Catalina Aliaga-Blanco and Génesis Rebolledo-Santander
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21030096 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
The emergence of social media platforms as commercial environments has necessitated the reconceptualization of service quality frameworks in electronic commerce research. This investigation analyzes and empirically validates social media quality as a multidimensional construct encompassing clarity, attractiveness, interactivity, and relevance dimensions. Grounded in [...] Read more.
The emergence of social media platforms as commercial environments has necessitated the reconceptualization of service quality frameworks in electronic commerce research. This investigation analyzes and empirically validates social media quality as a multidimensional construct encompassing clarity, attractiveness, interactivity, and relevance dimensions. Grounded in means-end chain theory and uses and gratifications theory, we propose and test a comprehensive nomological network examining customer service and privacy as antecedents and their consequent effects on brand image, electronic word-of-mouth, repurchase intention, and customer satisfaction within Instagram commerce ecosystems. Using structural equation modeling with 258 Chilean Instagram commerce users, we find empirical support for all hypothesized relationships. Results reveal that both customer service and privacy are significant determinants of social media quality perceptions, with privacy demonstrating a substantially stronger effect. Social media quality, in turn, demonstrates considerable predictive power for brand image, customer satisfaction, electronic word of mouth, and repurchase intention. Importantly, customer satisfaction functions as a critical mediating mechanism, translating quality perceptions into behavioral outcomes. This research extends existing service quality literature by delineating a theoretically grounded framework for assessing quality perceptions in social commerce contexts and offering strategic guidance for optimizing social media commerce initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 550 KB  
Article
Explaining Inconsistent Privacy Effects: How Cognitive–Affective Inconsistency and Ambivalence Shape Online Information Disclosure
by Jongtae Yu
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21020058 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 825
Abstract
This study examines why privacy concerns do not consistently deter online information disclosure by focusing on internal evaluative dynamics underlying privacy decisions. Drawing on theories of attitudinal ambivalence and cognitive–affective inconsistency, it investigates how internal tensions shape the translation of privacy concerns into [...] Read more.
This study examines why privacy concerns do not consistently deter online information disclosure by focusing on internal evaluative dynamics underlying privacy decisions. Drawing on theories of attitudinal ambivalence and cognitive–affective inconsistency, it investigates how internal tensions shape the translation of privacy concerns into disclosure behavior. Using two-phase data comprising a survey, the research distinguishes between threat-based and coping-based evaluative conflicts by operationalizing ambivalence and cognitive–affective inconsistency across privacy risks, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and response efficacy. Results from Phase 1, based on 540 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants, indicate that while privacy concerns generally reduce disclosure intentions, this effect is significantly weakened when individuals experience higher levels of cognitive–affective inconsistency and ambivalence. Although ambivalence significantly reduces the magnitude of inconsistency, it has a limited influence on the moderating role of inconsistency. Phase 2 findings further show that under conditions of high ambivalence, cognitive–affective inconsistency related to self-efficacy exerts a significant effect in situation-specific disclosure contexts. By elucidating the dynamic interplay of the internal tensions, this study clarifies when and why privacy concerns fail to predict disclosure behavior and highlights the importance of incorporating internal evaluative dynamics into models of digital privacy decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1506 KB  
Article
Mapping Morality in Marketing: An Exploratory Study of Moral and Emotional Language in Online Advertising
by Mauren S. Cardenas-Fontecha, Leonardo H. Talero-Sarmiento and Diego A. Vasquez-Caballero
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21010039 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Understanding how moral and emotional language operates in paid social advertising is essential for evaluating persuasion and its ethical contours. We provide a descriptive map of Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) language in Meta ad copy (Facebook/Instagram) drawn from seven global beverage brands across [...] Read more.
Understanding how moral and emotional language operates in paid social advertising is essential for evaluating persuasion and its ethical contours. We provide a descriptive map of Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) language in Meta ad copy (Facebook/Instagram) drawn from seven global beverage brands across eight English-speaking markets. Using the moralstrength toolkit, we implement a two-channel pipeline that combines an unsupervised semantic estimator (SIMON) with supervised classifiers, enforces a strict cross-channel consensus rule, and adds a non-overriding purity diagnostic to reduce attribute-based false positives. The corpus comprises 758 text units, of which only 25 ads (3.3%) exhibit strong consensus, indicating that much of the copy is either non-moral or linguistically ambiguous. Within this high-consensus subset, the distribution of moral cues varies systematically by brand and category, with loyalty, fairness, and purity emerging as the most prominent frames. A valence pass (VADER) indicates that moralized copy tends toward negative valence, yet it may still yield a constructive overall tone when advertisers follow a crisis–resolution structure in which high-intensity moral cues set the stakes while surrounding copy positions the brand as the solution. We caution that text-only models undercapture multimodal signaling and that platform policies and algorithmic recombination shape which moral cues appear in copy. Overall, the study demonstrates both the promise and the limits of current text-based MFT estimators for advertising: they support transparent, reproducible mapping of moral rhetoric, but future progress requires multimodal, domain-sensitive pipelines, policy-aware sampling, and (where available) impression/spend weighting to contextualize descriptive labels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 513 KB  
Article
Watching Ad or Paying Premium: Optimal Monetization of Online Platforms
by Hoshik Shim, Jinhwan Lee and Young Soo Park
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040347 - 3 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Digital platforms face a fundamental strategic decision between subscription-only, advertising-only, and freemium (hybrid) monetization models. We develop a game-theoretic framework that unifies these strategies, explicitly modeling consumer heterogeneity in both willingness-to-pay and advertising disutility, while incorporating network effects through the platform’s valuation of [...] Read more.
Digital platforms face a fundamental strategic decision between subscription-only, advertising-only, and freemium (hybrid) monetization models. We develop a game-theoretic framework that unifies these strategies, explicitly modeling consumer heterogeneity in both willingness-to-pay and advertising disutility, while incorporating network effects through the platform’s valuation of user-base size. Our analysis yields closed-form solutions identifying optimal strategy thresholds based on advertising market conditions. We show that subscription-only dominates when advertising prices are low, advertising-only prevails when prices are high, and freemium emerges as strictly optimal in the intermediate region. Under freemium, we demonstrate strategic complementarity: both subscription fees and advertising intensity exceed their levels in pure strategies because each instrument’s effectiveness is amplified by the other through user reallocation across tiers. Network effects universally reduce monetization intensity but alter instruments’ relative sensitivities differently across regimes—when advertising prices are moderate, freemium adjusts ad length more aggressively, while the opposite holds at high prices. Critically, freemium’s profitability requires sufficient consumer heterogeneity in ad tolerance. As consumer preferences converge, the screening mechanism fails and freemium collapses to the superior pure strategy. These results provide operational guidance for platform monetization decisions and clarify when hybrid models create value beyond traditional approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 735 KB  
Article
Project Management Capability and Resistance in Cloud Transformation: Configurational Evidence from African E-Commerce
by Imo Enang, Patrick Mukala, Ijeoma Jacklyn Okpanum, Aminu Ahmadu and Patrick Kiplagat
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040329 - 27 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 934
Abstract
This paper investigates resistance patterns in cloud-based digital transformation within African e-commerce contexts, examining how project management capabilities moderate the relationship between infrastructural constraints and transformation outcomes. Through a mixed-methods study of 180 organisations across eight African countries, we employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative [...] Read more.
This paper investigates resistance patterns in cloud-based digital transformation within African e-commerce contexts, examining how project management capabilities moderate the relationship between infrastructural constraints and transformation outcomes. Through a mixed-methods study of 180 organisations across eight African countries, we employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), necessary condition analysis (NCA), and polynomial regression to identify multiple pathways to transformation success and failure. Our findings reveal that resistance emerges through five distinct configurations, with project management capabilities serving as a critical moderating factor. We identify a ‘capability paradox’ where organisations with moderate project management maturity experience higher resistance than those with either low or high maturity, suggesting non-linear relationships between capabilities and outcomes. The study contributes to the digital transformation literature by developing a contextually grounded resistance framework that accounts for infrastructure volatility, institutional voids, and the unique characteristics of African e-commerce ecosystems. We propose the concept of ‘adaptive resistance’ as a functional response to resource constraints, challenging assumptions that resistance purely represents opposition to change. Practical implications include the need for hybrid project management approaches that balance structure with flexibility and policy recommendations for infrastructure investment prioritisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 569 KB  
Article
Predicting Trends and Maximizing Sales: AI’s Role in Saudi E-Commerce Decision-Making
by Razaz Waheeb Attar
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040311 - 3 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2536
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, providing innovative solutions and enhancing operational processes. In the e-commerce domain, AI has significantly contributed to customer-centric approaches and strategic decision-making, fostering superior customer experiences. This study investigates the role and [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, providing innovative solutions and enhancing operational processes. In the e-commerce domain, AI has significantly contributed to customer-centric approaches and strategic decision-making, fostering superior customer experiences. This study investigates the role and impact of AI in the Saudi e-commerce sector, focusing on the perspectives of female customers and retailers. Grounded in sociotechnical theory, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative findings demonstrate that AI-enabled e-commerce positively influences customer experience, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Key AI capabilities, such as task automation, personalized recommendations, and predictive analytics, enhance online retail systems’ performance. The qualitative analysis highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, emphasizing the need for specialized infrastructure and skilled professionals. Participants recommend addressing the skill gap and adopting phased implementation strategies to optimize AI integration. This study provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in the Saudi e-commerce sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1534 KB  
Article
BNTree for Predicting Persuasion Effect in Digital Era Crisis Communication
by Wanglai Li, Hanzhe Yang, Huizhang Shen and Zhangxue Huang
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040276 - 5 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
With rapid digital transformation, online information and reviews have become more consequential, which may lead to a public opinion crisis. How to predict the persuasion effect is an important research problem in the design of a crisis communication strategy. The method for solving [...] Read more.
With rapid digital transformation, online information and reviews have become more consequential, which may lead to a public opinion crisis. How to predict the persuasion effect is an important research problem in the design of a crisis communication strategy. The method for solving this problem is to propose a predictive framework for digital persuasion, grounded in the elaboration likelihood model. Within this framework, a database is constructed, and a machine learning algorithm integrating Bayesian networks and decision trees, BNTree (Bayesian Network and Tree), is proposed. The results demonstrate that BNTree can predict persuasion effects more accurately. In addition, the prediction of BNTree also reflects the major cognitive route of netizens and the critical influence factors for persuasion effects. These findings imply that integrating psychological theory into algorithm design can enhance predictive performance and interpretability, providing practical support for crisis communication in the digital era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 1369 KB  
Article
Intergenerational Differences in Impulse Purchasing in Live E-Commerce: A Multi-Dimensional Mechanism of the ASEAN Cross-Border Market
by Yanli Pei, Jie Zhu and Junwei Cao
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(4), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20040268 - 2 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5081
Abstract
Existing research on live-streaming e-commerce consumption behavior is mostly limited by a single disciplinary framework, unable to systematically parse the mechanism of macro-policies and cultural values on intergenerational consumer psychology. This study takes ASEAN cross-border live-streaming e-commerce as a scenario, integrates theories of [...] Read more.
Existing research on live-streaming e-commerce consumption behavior is mostly limited by a single disciplinary framework, unable to systematically parse the mechanism of macro-policies and cultural values on intergenerational consumer psychology. This study takes ASEAN cross-border live-streaming e-commerce as a scenario, integrates theories of economics, political science, and sociology, and constructs an innovative three-layer analysis model of “macroeconomic system–meso-market–micro-behavior” based on multi-source data from 2020 to 2024. It empirically explores the formation mechanism of intergenerational differences in impulse buying. The results show that the behavior differences of different groups are significantly driven by income gradient, cross-border policies (tariff adjustment and consumer protection regulations), and collectivism/individualism cultural orientations. The innovative contribution of this study is reflected in three aspects: Firstly, it breaks through the limitation of a single discipline, and for the first time, it incorporates structural variables such as policy synergy effect and family structure change into the theoretical framework of impulse buying, quantifying and revealing the differentiated impact of institutional heterogeneity in ASEAN markets on intergenerational behavior. Secondly, it reconstructs the transmission path of “cultural values–family structure–intergenerational behavior” and finds that the inhibitory effect of collectivism on impulse buying tends to weaken with age. Thirdly, it proposes a “policy instrument–generational response” matching model and verifies the heterogeneous impact of the same policy (such as tariff reduction) on different generations. This study fills the gaps in related research and can provide empirical support for ASEAN enterprises to formulate stratified marketing strategies and for policymakers to optimize cross-border e-commerce regulation. which is of great significance to promote the sustainable development of the regional live-broadcast e-commerce ecology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1736 KB  
Article
AI Digital Human Responsiveness and Consumer Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Trust
by Jinpeng Wen and Xiaohua Li
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030246 - 8 Sep 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6983
Abstract
This study investigates how AI-driven virtual anchors affect consumers’ purchase intentions by identifying their key attributes, underlying mechanisms, and configurational interplay. We integrate latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) into a unified methodological framework. Empirical [...] Read more.
This study investigates how AI-driven virtual anchors affect consumers’ purchase intentions by identifying their key attributes, underlying mechanisms, and configurational interplay. We integrate latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) into a unified methodological framework. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the public visibility of virtual anchors exerts a significant positive impact on purchase intention, whereas professionalism, responsiveness, and personalization primarily cultivate consumer pleasure and trust, yet exert limited direct influence on purchase decisions. Emotional states—arousal, pleasure, and trust—mediate the relationship between anchor characteristics and purchase intention. fsQCA further reveals that high purchase intention emerges when responsiveness serves as a necessary condition, trust operates as a pivotal hub, and arousal/pleasure function as emotional conduits; conversely, low purchase intention is chiefly attributable to deficiencies in visibility, responsiveness, and trust. By synthesizing the SOR (stimulus-organism-response) model with the PAD (Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance) emotion theory, this research extends theoretical insights into consumer behavior within e-commerce live-streaming contexts and provides actionable guidance for optimizing virtual anchor strategies, thereby advancing both standardization and innovation in the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1149 KB  
Article
When Positive Service Logistics Encounter Enhanced Purchase Intention: The Reverse Moderating Effect of Image–Text Similarity
by Shizhen Bai, Luwen Cao and Jiamin Zhou
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030220 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
E-commerce platforms offering regional fresh produce often face a trade-off between logistics costs and product quality. Due to limited use of cold chain logistics, consumers frequently receive damaged goods, resulting in negative post-purchase experiences. This study examines how logistics service encounters, as reflected [...] Read more.
E-commerce platforms offering regional fresh produce often face a trade-off between logistics costs and product quality. Due to limited use of cold chain logistics, consumers frequently receive damaged goods, resulting in negative post-purchase experiences. This study examines how logistics service encounters, as reflected in consumer reviews, influence subsequent purchase behaviour, and how the alignment between review images and text moderates this relationship. We analyse sales and review data from 694 fruit products on Tmall between February and April 2024. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is applied to extract logistics-related review content. At the same time, image–text similarity is assessed using the Chinese-CLIP model. Regression analysis reveals that positive logistics service encounters significantly enhance purchase intention. However, high image–text similarity weakens this positive effect, suggesting that overly repetitive content may reduce informational value for prospective buyers. These findings advance understanding of consumer behaviour in online fresh produce markets by highlighting the interactive effects of logistics experiences and user-generated content. The results offer practical implications for improving logistics services, enhancing content diversity in review systems, and increasing consumer trust in e-commerce environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1263 KB  
Article
Unveiling a Hidden Driver of Online Rating Bias: The Role of Consumer Variety-Seeking Behavior
by Shida Ni, Basak Denizci Guillet, Yixing Gao, Rob Law and Baiqing Sun
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030216 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2505
Abstract
Variety-seeking is a fundamental motivation in consumer decision making, yet its subsequent effect on consumer behavior is not fully understood. Thus, this study aims to investigate how consumers’ variety-seeking behaviors influence their subsequent ratings on online reputation platforms. We proposed a framework and [...] Read more.
Variety-seeking is a fundamental motivation in consumer decision making, yet its subsequent effect on consumer behavior is not fully understood. Thus, this study aims to investigate how consumers’ variety-seeking behaviors influence their subsequent ratings on online reputation platforms. We proposed a framework and constructed econometric models to validate it based on large-scale restaurant-review data from an online reputation platform. Several robustness-check methods were employed to ensure the reliability of our results. The empirical results demonstrate that consumers exhibit a positive rating bias in their reviews for variety-seeking options, compared to regular ones. Further analysis reveals that the influence of variety-seeking dynamically changes with the time-varying characteristics of consumers and restaurants. Specifically, as consumers accumulate a larger number of similar experiences and as restaurants age, the observed rating bias gradually diminishes. This study found a previously undocumented but widely prevalent factor causing rating bias on online reputation platforms, and its significant impact warrants attention. The findings also extend the theoretical application scope of variety-seeking in the field of consumer behavior and offer practical implications for managers and platform designers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 347 KB  
Article
Algorithmic Fairness and Digital Financial Stress: Evidence from AI-Driven E-Commerce Platforms in OECD Economies
by Zhuoqi Teng, Han Xia and Yugang He
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030213 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3655
Abstract
This study examines the role of algorithmic fairness in alleviating digital financial stress among consumers across OECD countries, utilizing panel data spanning from 2010 to 2023. By introducing a digital financial stress index—constructed from indicators such as household credit dependence, digital debt penetration, [...] Read more.
This study examines the role of algorithmic fairness in alleviating digital financial stress among consumers across OECD countries, utilizing panel data spanning from 2010 to 2023. By introducing a digital financial stress index—constructed from indicators such as household credit dependence, digital debt penetration, digital default rates, and financial complaint frequencies—the research quantitatively captures consumer financial anxieties within AI-driven e-commerce platforms. Employing two-way fixed-effects regression and system-GMM methods to address endogeneity and dynamic panel biases, findings robustly indicate that increased algorithmic fairness significantly reduces digital financial stress. Furthermore, the moderating analysis highlights digital literacy as a critical factor amplifying fairness effectiveness, revealing that digitally proficient societies derive greater psychological and economic benefits from equitable algorithmic practices. These results contribute to existing scholarship by extending discussions of algorithmic ethics from individual-level analyses to a macroeconomic perspective. Ultimately, this research underscores algorithmic fairness as a crucial policy lever for promoting consumer welfare, calling for integrated national strategies encompassing ethical algorithm governance alongside enhanced digital education initiatives within OECD contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
21 pages, 664 KB  
Article
Trust, Privacy Fatigue, and the Informed Consent Dilemma in Mobile App Privacy Pop-Ups: A Grounded Theory Approach
by Ming Chen and Meimei Chen
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030179 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5715
Abstract
As data becomes a core driver of modern business innovation, mobile applications increasingly collect and process users’ personal information, posing significant challenges to the effectiveness of informed consent and the legitimacy of user authorization. Existing research on privacy informed consent mechanisms has predominantly [...] Read more.
As data becomes a core driver of modern business innovation, mobile applications increasingly collect and process users’ personal information, posing significant challenges to the effectiveness of informed consent and the legitimacy of user authorization. Existing research on privacy informed consent mechanisms has predominantly focused on privacy policy texts and normative legal discussions, often overlooking a critical touchpoint—the launch-time privacy pop-up window. Moreover, empirical investigations from the user’s perspective remain limited. To address these issues, this study employs a two-stage approach combining compliance audit and grounded theory. The preliminary audit of 21 mobile apps assesses the compliance of privacy pop-ups, and the formal study uses thematic analysis of interviews with 19 participants to construct a dual-path explanatory framework. Key findings reveal that: (1) while the reviewed apps partially safeguarded users’ right to be informed, compliance deficiencies still persist; (2) trust and privacy fatigue emerge as dual motivations driving user consent. Trust plays a critical role in amplifying the impact of positive messages within privacy pop-ups by enhancing the consistency among users’ cognition, affect, and behavior, thereby reducing resistance to privacy consent and improving the effectiveness of the current informed consent framework. Conversely, privacy fatigue increases the inconsistency among these factors, undermining consent effectiveness and exacerbating the challenges associated with informed consent. This study offers a user-centered framework to explain the dynamics of informed consent in mobile privacy pop-ups and provides actionable insights for regulators, developers, and privacy advocates seeking to enhance transparency and user autonomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1100 KB  
Article
Digital Payments and Sustainable Economic Growth: Transmission Mechanisms and Evidence from an Emerging Economy, Turkey
by Eyup Kahveci and Tugrul Gurgur
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20020142 - 12 Jun 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7209
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of digital transactions on sustainable economic growth in Turkey, utilizing a vector autoregressive (VAR) model and quarterly data from 2006 to 2023. The results indicate a positive long-term association between digital payments and GDP. Granger causality tests and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of digital transactions on sustainable economic growth in Turkey, utilizing a vector autoregressive (VAR) model and quarterly data from 2006 to 2023. The results indicate a positive long-term association between digital payments and GDP. Granger causality tests and impulse response functions suggest a bidirectional relationship, highlighting mutual reinforcement between economic activity and digital financial adoption. The study also investigates three potential transmission channels linking digital payments to economic performance: household consumption, productivity, and financial intermediation. Evidence shows that digital payments are associated with increased consumption and financial sector activity, while the link to productivity is less conclusive. These findings imply that policymakers should prioritize digital financial infrastructure development and enhance regulatory frameworks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1524 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Framework on Consumer Satisfaction in Fresh Food E-Shopping: The Integration of Theory and Data
by Yingxue Ren, Yitong Qu, Junbin Liang and Fangfang Zhao
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20020114 - 26 May 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5076
Abstract
Consumer satisfaction critically determines the operational sustainability of fresh food e-commerce platforms, yet integrated investigations combining multi-source data remain scarce. This study develops a theory–data fusion framework to identify key satisfaction drivers in China’s fresh e-commerce sector. Utilizing Python-based crawlers, we extracted 1252 [...] Read more.
Consumer satisfaction critically determines the operational sustainability of fresh food e-commerce platforms, yet integrated investigations combining multi-source data remain scarce. This study develops a theory–data fusion framework to identify key satisfaction drivers in China’s fresh e-commerce sector. Utilizing Python-based crawlers, we extracted 1252 online reviews of Aksu apples from a certain fresh produce e-commerce platform alongside 509 validated questionnaires. Through systematic literature synthesis, three core dimensions—perceived value (price–performance balance), platform experience (interface usability), and perceived quality (freshness assurance)—were operationalized into measurable indicators. The final structural equation model reveals that perceived value, platform experience, and perceived quality all have significant positive impacts on consumer satisfaction. This study pioneers a methodological paradigm integrating computational text mining (Octopus Collector + SPSS Pro) with traditional psychometric scales, achieving superior model fit (RMSEA = 0.023, CFI = 0.981). These findings empower platforms to implement a precision strategy. The validated framework provides a theoretical basis for omnichannel consumer research while addressing the data-source bias prevalent in prior studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

41 pages, 4178 KB  
Article
Impact of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Behavior and Online Shopping Preferences
by Stavros P. Migkos, Nikolaos T. Giannakopoulos and Damianos P. Sakas
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20020111 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 76682
Abstract
Influencer marketing has emerged as a crucial element in digital marketing, significantly shaping consumer behavior and online shopping preferences. This study examined the multidimensional impact of influencer marketing by analyzing engagement metrics, marketing effectiveness, and consumer decision-making processes, based on consumers in the [...] Read more.
Influencer marketing has emerged as a crucial element in digital marketing, significantly shaping consumer behavior and online shopping preferences. This study examined the multidimensional impact of influencer marketing by analyzing engagement metrics, marketing effectiveness, and consumer decision-making processes, based on consumers in the Greek sector. Through a structured methodological framework, the research employed a questionnaire-based survey, statistical modeling, and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) scenarios to assess consumer interactions with influencer-driven content. Findings highlight that while influencer marketing enhances brand engagement and sales, its effectiveness varies based on content authenticity, transparency, and user trust. Additionally, consumer purchasing decisions are influenced by social media visibility, personalized marketing strategies, and digital platform usability. This study underscores the need for strategic influencer selection and information-driven marketing optimization to sustain long-term consumer engagement. These insights provide practical implications for businesses aiming to enhance digital marketing strategies and contribute to the ongoing discourse on social commerce and consumer-centric marketing models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1644 KB  
Article
Emotional Resonance and Buying Behavior in Live Streaming: A Study on KOL Influence and the Mediation of Purchase Intentions
by Jinpeng Wen, Xiaohua Li and Hongxing Han
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20020108 - 20 May 2025
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8760
Abstract
This study aims to explore how key opinion leader (KOL) characteristics influence users’ purchase intentions in live shopping. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines real-time pop-up text mining and questionnaires, analyzed via Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling and a research framework [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore how key opinion leader (KOL) characteristics influence users’ purchase intentions in live shopping. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines real-time pop-up text mining and questionnaires, analyzed via Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling and a research framework integrating the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model with pleasure–arousal–dominance (PAD) theory. Results indicate that KOL characteristics—namely professionalism, popularity, attractiveness, and entertainment—enhance users’ pleasure, arousal, and trust. These emotions boost impulse buying intentions but not planned ones. Planned purchase intention acts as a partial mediator, whereas impulse purchase intention serves as a full mediator. This research uncovers the intricate mechanism linking KOL traits to user emotions and purchase intentions. By integrating PAD theory and the SOR model, it examines emotional mediators, addresses prior theoretical gaps, offers vital insights for refining live-streaming marketing strategies, and holds substantial theoretical and practical significance for the sustainable growth of live-streaming e-commerce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

45 pages, 6140 KB  
Systematic Review
Retrospection on E-Commerce: An Updated Bibliometric Analysis
by Laura-Diana Radu, Daniela Popescul and Mircea-Radu Georgescu
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21020046 - 2 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1112
Abstract
Companies need to allocate substantial effort and resources towards adapting to dynamic market trends and promptly meeting their customers’ evolving expectations in the online business context. Although e-commerce research has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, a comprehensive, systematic, and longitudinal [...] Read more.
Companies need to allocate substantial effort and resources towards adapting to dynamic market trends and promptly meeting their customers’ evolving expectations in the online business context. Although e-commerce research has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, a comprehensive, systematic, and longitudinal analysis that maps the evolution of publications, academic collaboration patterns, influential actors and sources, thematic structures, and theoretical foundations of the field is still lacking. This gap limits a holistic understanding of the maturation, intellectual structure, and future research directions of e-commerce as an academic domain. Based on these premises, the primary objective of the present study is to analyse the landscape of e-commerce spanning the period from 2008 to 2024. By employing bibliometric analysis, we have identified the most prolific and influential authors and publications that have made notable contributions to the literature on e-commerce, as well as the collaborations between authors and countries within the same field. Furthermore, we have analysed the thematic map, research trends, and interconnections between research themes over the past 17 years, providing a dynamic summary of scientific topics of interest in the field of e-commerce and suggesting potential directions for future explorations. The results reveal the heterogeneity of themes associated with e-commerce. We found that research topics in this field have evolved alongside technological evolution and social changes. Some themes have persisted over the years, such as customer behaviour or trust, while others have either disappeared or transformed. For instance, research related to supporting e-commerce technologies has become more specific, focusing on topics such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, metaverse or blockchain. From a social perspective, the impact of COVID-19 has resonated within the scientific community, becoming a significant focus of researchers around the world. This study serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals and researchers seeking to bridge current research topics with forthcoming developments in the field of e-commerce. Examining contributions and emerging trends reveals new perspectives on how technological progress interacts with the social and economic dimensions of e-commerce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-19
Back to TopTop