Using Images of Eyes to Enhance Green Brand Purchase Intentions Through Green Brand Anthropomorphism Strategies: The Moderator Role of Facial Expression

• Main Authors: Zelin Tong, Tingting Li, Jingdan Feng, Qin Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-10-01
• Series: Frontiers in Psychology
• Subjects: anthropomorphism; eye effect; green trust; purchase intention of green products; anthropomorphic strategies
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.568595/full

This study uses an experimental comparison to analyze the effects of anthropomorphic strategies that use images with eyes (vs. those without eyes) on consumers’ willingness to buy green products, as well as the mechanism of action. The study finds that concerning the anthropomorphic features of a product, anthropomorphic strategies containing images of eyes lead to more positive purchase intention for green products than those without images of eyes. Simultaneously, these green purchase intentions are mediated through the variable of green trust regardless of whether the anthropomorphic strategies feature eyes. Beyond this, the discussed effects are moderated when anthropomorphic strategies featuring different facial expressions are used. The findings of this study provide useful suggestions for green brand marketing strategies and management practices that use anthropomorphism.