Electronic Commerce and Information Management Towards the Digital Era

Special Issue Editors


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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

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 Technologies9, 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

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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

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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
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
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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
Viewed by 567
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
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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
Viewed by 552
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
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
Viewed by 1102
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
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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 1 | Viewed by 1682
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
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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
Viewed by 1676
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
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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
Viewed by 13918
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
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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 1 | Viewed by 2545
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
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