Social media influencing consumer purchase decisions: V-C

National conference on Consumer Behaviour at Teresian College in Mysuru explores trends and challenges in modern consumerism.

The Department of Commerce (UG and PG), in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, organised a two-day national conference on “Consumer Behaviour: Trends and Challenges” at Teresian College here on Monday.

N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, inaugurated the conference in the presence of Sr. Juanita, director of Teresian College, Veena M. D’Almeida, head of the Department of Commerce, P.M. Shivaprasad, coordinator, and W. Arun Devapura, organising Secretary.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Lokanath emphasised the need for advancements in higher education, ethical consumerism, and fostering trust and transparency in markets.

He said businesses must prioritise sustainability, digitisation, and personalisation. Understanding consumer values, preferences, and behaviours is also crucial, besides effective marketing strategies, addressing information overload, and increasing consumer expectations, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said consumers are increasingly prioritising environment-friendly and sustainable products and also going for online shopping as it is growing with consumers expecting seamless and personalised preferences.

He said social media platforms significantly impact consumer purchasing decisions.

Maran K., director of Sri Sairam Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, delivered the keynote address in which he spoke about the rapid growth of e-commerce, the impact of mobile phones on consumer behaviour, and the importance of empowering individuals through education.