Consumer Psychology in a Social Media World seeks to illustrate the relevance of consumer psychology theory and research to understanding the social media world that has rapidly become a key component in the social and economic lives of most individuals. Despite the rapid and widespread adoption of social media by consumers, research focused on individuals' use thereof and its implications for organizations and society has been limited and published in scattered outlets. This has made it difficult for those trying to get either a quick introduction or an in-depth understanding of the associated issues to locate relevant scientific-based information. The book is organized into five broad sections. The first presents a summary overview of social media, including a historical and cultural perspective. The second section is focused on social media as a modern form of word of mouth, always considered the most impactful on consumers. It also touches upon a motivational explanation for why social media has such a strong and broad appeal. Section three addresses the impact that consumers' switch to social media as a preferred channel has had on marketers' branding and promotional efforts, as well as the ways in which consumer involvement can be maintained through this process. Section four takes a methodological perspective on the topic of social media, assessing ways in which big data and consumer research are influenced by novel ways of gathering consumer feedback and gauging consumer sentiment. Finally, section five looks at some consumer welfare and public policy implications, including privacy and disadvantaged consumer concerns. Consumer Psychology in a Social Media World will appeal to those who are involved in creating, managing, and evaluating products used in social media communications. As seen in recent financial and business market successes (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, WhatsApp, etc.), businesses focused on facilitating social media are part of the fastest growing and most valuable sector of today's economy.

This Handbook contains a unique collection of chapters written by the world's leading researchers in the dynamic field of consumer psychology. Although these researchers are housed in different academic departments (ie. marketing, psychology, advertising, communications) all have the common goal of attaining a better scientific understanding of cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to products and services, the marketing of these products and services, and societal and ethical concerns associated with marketing processes. Consumer psychology is a discipline at the interface of marketing, advertising and psychology. The research in this area focuses on fundamental psychological processes as well as on issues associated with the use of theoretical principles in applied contexts. The Handbook presents state-of-the-art research as well as providing a place for authors to put forward suggestions for future research and practice. The Handbook is most appropriate for graduate level courses in marketing, psychology, communications, consumer behavior and advertising.

Online Consumer Psychology addresses many of the issues created by the Internet and goes beyond the topic of advertising and the Web to include topics such as customization, site design, word of mouth processes, and the study of consumer decision making while online.

The theories and research methods help provide greater insight into the processes underlying consumer behavior in online environments.

Broken into six sections, this book:

• focuses on community and looks at the Internet's ability to bring like-minded individuals from around the world into one forum;
• examines issues related to advertising, specifically click-through rates and advertising content placed within gaming online and wireless networks;
• provides readers with reasons why consumers customize products and the benefits of customization;
• discusses the psychological effects of site design;
• asks the question of whether the Internet empowers consumers to make better decisions; and
• discusses research tools that can be used online.

This volume grew out of the annual Advertising and Consumer Psychology conference sponsored by the Society for Consumer Psychology. Representing a collection of research from academics in the fields of social psychology, advertising, and marketing, the chapters all focus on discussing existing and needed research to face the challenges of diversity in the next millennium. The contributors are researchers who have pushed the envelope in understanding diversity in advertising, rather than merely relying on theoretical frameworks developed decades ago when the demographics of the population were much different.
This volume provides a vast array of information for academics and practitioners seeking to better understand how individual characteristics impact on the sending, receiving, and processing of communication efforts. It highlights past and current knowledge on diversity in advertising, important questions that have not been addressed satisfactorily in this area, and how current theories can be used to construct better communication plans and message content. The various chapters draw upon existing literature from the fields of psychology, marketing, and related disciplines to amplify understanding and insight into developing effective advertising approaches to reach diverse audiences. This book will contribute to the understanding of the diversity of people, the changing landscape of the U.S., and the need for a more inclusive society.

Consumer Psychology in a Social Media World seeks to illustrate the relevance of consumer psychology theory and research to understanding the social media world that has rapidly become a key component in the social and economic lives of most individuals. Despite the rapid and widespread adoption of social media by consumers, research focused on individuals' use thereof and its implications for organizations and society has been limited and published in scattered outlets. This has made it difficult for those trying to get either a quick introduction or an in-depth understanding of the associated issues to locate relevant scientific-based information. The book is organized into five broad sections. The first presents a summary overview of social media, including a historical and cultural perspective. The second section is focused on social media as a modern form of word of mouth, always considered the most impactful on consumers. It also touches upon a motivational explanation for why social media has such a strong and broad appeal. Section three addresses the impact that consumers' switch to social media as a preferred channel has had on marketers' branding and promotional efforts, as well as the ways in which consumer involvement can be maintained through this process. Section four takes a methodological perspective on the topic of social media, assessing ways in which big data and consumer research are influenced by novel ways of gathering consumer feedback and gauging consumer sentiment. Finally, section five looks at some consumer welfare and public policy implications, including privacy and disadvantaged consumer concerns. Consumer Psychology in a Social Media World will appeal to those who are involved in creating, managing, and evaluating products used in social media communications. As seen in recent financial and business market successes (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, WhatsApp, etc.), businesses focused on facilitating social media are part of the fastest growing and most valuable sector of today's economy.

This volume grew out of the annual Advertising and Consumer Psychology conference sponsored by the Society for Consumer Psychology. Representing a collection of research from academics in the fields of social psychology, advertising, and marketing, the chapters all focus on discussing existing and needed research to face the challenges of diversity in the next millennium. The contributors are researchers who have pushed the envelope in understanding diversity in advertising, rather than merely relying on theoretical frameworks developed decades ago when the demographics of the population were much different. This volume provides a vast array of information for academics and practitioners seeking to better understand how individual characteristics impact on the sending, receiving, and processing of communication efforts. It highlights past and current knowledge on diversity in advertising, important questions that have not been addressed satisfactorily in this area, and how current theories can be used to construct better communication plans and message content. The various chapters draw upon existing literature from the fields of psychology, marketing, and related disciplines to amplify understanding and insight into developing effective advertising approaches to reach diverse audiences. This book will contribute to the understanding of the diversity of people, the changing landscape of the U.S., and the need for a more inclusive society.

Online Consumer Psychology addresses many of the issues created by the Internet and goes beyond the topic of advertising and the Web to include topics such as customization, site design, word of mouth processes, and the study of consumer decision making while online. The theories and research methods help provide greater insight into the processes underlying consumer behavior in online environments. Broken into six sections, this book: focuses on community and looks at the Internet's ability to bring like-minded individuals from around the world into one forum; examines issues related to advertising, specifically click-through rates and advertising content placed within gaming online and wireless networks; provides readers with reasons why consumers customize products and the benefits of customization; discusses the psychological effects of site design; asks the question of whether the Internet empowers consumers to make better decisions; and discusses research tools that can be used online.