Revealing the double‐edged sword: Introducing the Technology and Consumer Well‐being Paradox Model

Abstract

AbstractWhile discourse on technology and consumer well‐being has been at the forefront of academics' and practitioners' agendas, the theoretical understanding of the complex interplay between technology and consumer well‐being has remained tenuous. To address this gap in our understanding of technology's influence on consumer well‐being, this research provides a comprehensive literature review of recent articles published in Psychology & Marketing. Findings indicate a double‐edged sword where technology has the propensity to not only foster a state of negative well‐being but can also enhance consumers' well‐being. Additionally, a technology well‐being paradox is uncovered whereby technology is used to manage the negative effects of technology use. Accordingly, we introduce the Technology and Consumer Well‐being Paradox Model that incorporates technology's propensity to enhance, diminish, and manage eudaimonic and hedonic consumer well‐being. Furthermore, the influence of the purpose of technology use and changes to consumer well‐being over time with technology use are also considered. Finally, we provide pertinent avenues for future research to further understanding on the technology and consumer well‐being paradox.