Digital influencers as drivers of purchase intentions and promoters of conscious consumption

Introduction The advent of digital technology has brought a new dynamic to the world of marketing, allowing for greater interaction between consumers and brands and increasing the dissemination of content through social media. In this context, digital influencers have become important mediators between companies and audiences, building trust and influencing their purchasing decisions. However, there is a growing trend towards promoting more conscious and sustainable consumption practices. This study aimed to analyse the role of digital influencers in the purchase intention and adoption of more conscious consumption practices by followers. Methods The quantitative and descriptive research was conducted based on an online questionnaire and data were processed using R software. Results The results indicate that, although digital influencers continue to be associated with the promotion of consumerism, there is a growing appreciation for the dissemination of content on sustainability. Discussion This study reinforces the dual role of digital influencers as drivers of purchase intention and promoters of conscious consumption, an increasingly relevant distinction in a digital environment where commercial influence coexists with growing demands for ethical and sustainable behaviour. It also contributes to an integrated conceptual model that advances the understanding of how credibility, content characteristics, and sustainability messaging shape consumer behaviour.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Human Dynamics
Published
2026-02-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fhumd.2026.1769412
Primary Topic
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Digital influencers as drivers of purchase intentions and promoters of conscious consumption

Adriana Oliveira, Mariana Monteiro Areal, João Paulo Martins, Helena Costa Oliveira
Frontiers in Human Dynamics
Digital Marketing and Social Media
article

Digital influencers as drivers of purchase intentions and promoters of conscious consumption

Adriana Oliveira, Mariana Monteiro Areal, João Paulo Martins, Helena Costa Oliveira
article en

Abstract

Introduction The advent of digital technology has brought a new dynamic to the world of marketing, allowing for greater interaction between consumers and brands and increasing the dissemination of content through social media. In this context, digital influencers have become important mediators between companies and audiences, building trust and influencing their purchasing decisions. However, there is a growing trend towards promoting more conscious and sustainable consumption practices. This study aimed to analyse the role of digital influencers in the purchase intention and adoption of more conscious consumption practices by followers. Methods The quantitative and descriptive research was conducted based on an online questionnaire and data were processed using R software. Results The results indicate that, although digital influencers continue to be associated with the promotion of consumerism, there is a growing appreciation for the dissemination of content on sustainability. Discussion This study reinforces the dual role of digital influencers as drivers of purchase intention and promoters of conscious consumption, an increasingly relevant distinction in a digital environment where commercial influence coexists with growing demands for ethical and sustainable behaviour. It also contributes to an integrated conceptual model that advances the understanding of how credibility, content characteristics, and sustainability messaging shape consumer behaviour.

Frontiers in Human DynamicsVol. 8
Polytechnic Institute of Porto (PT)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 49%
Digital Marketing and Social Media
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