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Green Consumerism in the Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges

Author

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  • Prof. Ashly Lynn Joseph

    (Assistant Professor MBA Department IZee Business School)

Abstract

The digital era has significantly transformed consumer behavior and marketing practices, creating new avenues for the growth of green consumerism. The widespread adoption of digital technologies such as social media, e-commerce platforms, mobile applications, and online information systems has enhanced consumer access to environmental information and sustainable products. These digital tools play a crucial role in increasing environmental awareness, shaping green purchase intentions, and facilitating sustainable consumption practices. However, despite these opportunities, several challenges continue to hinder the effective adoption of green consumerism in digital environments. Issues such as greenwashing, information overload, lack of transparency in online sustainability claims, data privacy concerns, and limited consumer trust pose significant barriers to informed green purchasing decisions. This paper aims to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with green consumerism in the digital era through a theoretical and literature-based approach. Drawing on existing research, conceptual models, and secondary data sources, the study analyzes how digital platforms influence green consumer behavior and identifies key factors that affect consumers’ willingness to adopt environmentally responsible consumption patterns. The paper also highlights the role of digital marketing strategies, eco-labels, and online reviews in shaping consumer perceptions of green products. By synthesizing prior studies, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between digitalization and green consumerism. The findings offer valuable insights for marketers, businesses, and policymakers to design effective digital strategies that promote transparency, build consumer trust, and encourage sustainable consumption in the digital age.

Suggested Citation

  • Prof. Ashly Lynn Joseph, 2026. "Green Consumerism in the Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(19), pages 138-154, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:19:p:138-154
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Raihan, Asif, 2024. "A review of the potential opportunities and challenges of the digital economy for sustainability," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 3(4).
    2. Habib, Muhammad Danish & Attri, Rekha & Salam, Mohammad Asif & Yaqub, Muhammad Zafar, 2025. "Bright and dark sides of green consumerism: An in-depth qualitative investigation in retailing context," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    3. Sewar Alkhatib & Petra Kecskés & Veronika Keller, 2023. "Green Marketing in the Digital Age: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-16, August.
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