Conspicuous tastes online: Are gastronomic variety and symbolic status shaping local food choices?

Abstract

This inquiry elucidates the profound ramifications of conspicuous consumption upon local culinary selections, elucidating the mediating roles of gastronomic variety-seeking behaviors and perceived symbolic status. By conducting empirical research involving a substantial cohort of 390 participants, all aged 18 and above and possessing a habitual engagement in the digital sharing of gastronomic content, this study employs a quantitative methodology augmented by structural equation modeling to dissect the intricate interplay among consumption interests, image portrayal, and satisfaction derived from sharing experiences. The findings reveal a significant correlation between conspicuous consumption and preferences for local cuisines, underscoring that the pursuit of distinctive and culturally resonant dishes transcends mere nutritional sustenance, serving instead as vehicles for the dissemination of social prestige. Consequently, the research contributes to the burgeoning field of inquiry at the intersection of social media engagement and evolving gastronomic behaviors, proposing that regional culinary specialties may be strategically curated to optimize both consumer enjoyment and the perception of symbolic value. The study's use of structural equation modeling (SEM) and a relatively large sample (N = 390) further enhances the methodological robustness of these findings. Such insights not only deepen the academic discourse but also invite practitioners to reconsider the marketing paradigms surrounding local foods in the contemporary digital milieu.