The internet has revolutionized various aspects of human life. It has changed how humans consume information. It has transformed how communities communicate. It has also changed how consumers behave. For the most part, the internet has made it possible for consumers to obtain goods and services more conveniently. It has also presented some negative impacts. This essay examines some of the impacts that the internet has had on consumer thinking and behavior.
One of the ways that the internet has affected consumer behavior and thinking is that it has made it easier for consumers to make decisions. Today, an individual can find relevant information online and they are then able to use this information to make decisions (Rosen & Simonson, 2014). The internet also encourages certain destructive behaviors such as impulse buying. From the comfort of one’s home, it is possible to find products and make purchases very easily. It is also possible for companies and marketers to determine consumer preferences and tastes based on their online activity. They are then able to feed the consumers advertisements that are relevant and in line with their preferences.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
For the most part, the internet has been beneficial. It has reduced the costs and inconvenience that consumers used to experience in their search for information and products. It has also allowed consumers to engage directly with companies (“Internet has Profoundly”, 2015). For example, social media makes it possible for consumers to directly communicate with companies and brands. Despite the many benefits that it has presented, the internet is not without pitfalls. It has been linked to a number of unhealthy behaviors. For example, the internet has eroded the ability of individuals to focus on tasks (AsapSCIENCE, 2014). It distracts individuals from their work and thereby hindering productivity. The internet has also created a toxic online environment that is defined by insults and bullying. It is important to remember that the pitfalls of the internet do not take away from the benefits. Overall, the internet is still beneficial and it is recommended that individuals should embrace it.
In conclusion, the internet promises to continue changing how humans behave. It has defined consumer behavior and thinking. Thanks to the internet, access to information and products has been enhanced. The internet has also facilitated engagements between consumers and companies. To make the internet more effective, it is important for individuals to stay wary of its negative consequences.
References
AsapSCIENCE. (2014). 5 Crazy Ways Social Media is Changing your Brian right now. Retrieved 3 rd June 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HffWFd_6bJ0&feature=youtu.be
Internet has Profoundly Changed Consumers and Marketers, say Pamplin Marketing Scholars. (2015). Retrieved 3 rd June 2017 from https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2015/06/061615-pamplin-whatwebuy.html
Rosen, E. & Simonson, I. (2014). How the Digital Age Rewrites the Rule Book on Consumer Behavior. Retrieved 3 rd June 2017 from https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/how-digital-age-rewrites-rule-book-consumer-behavior
