Conspicuous Consumption via Social Media

Abstract

Conspicuous consumption has been explored since 19th century, focusing on its conceptual or mathematical modelling. It has gained widespread attention in the Western culture as compared to East. However, the increased performance of luxury market and strong demand for luxury goods in developing countries urged investigation on the spread of this consumption pattern. This chapter examines conspicuous consumption in Malaysia via social media usage. A research was carried out involving 387 respondents in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The results suggest Malaysian are moderately materialistic and propend to conspicuous consumption. Through the exposure to social media, consumers are being situated in comparison with other social media users and inclined to learn and pick up the consumption styles that are being exposed to. Thus, high level of social media usage can lead to high inclination in consuming conspicuously.