Unlocking impulsive buying behavior in the metaverse commerce: a combined analysis using PLS-SEM and ANN

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the domain of metaverse commerce and conduct a thorough examination of the complex dynamics that contribute to impulsive purchasing behavior. This study aims to examine the impact of vividness, interactivity and effectiveness on social presence and telepresence within the metaverse, a digital landscape. Specifically, it seeks to understand how these factors influence consumers' impulsive buying behavior. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this study consisted of distributing self-administered questionnaires via a survey. Data collection was conducted among a targeted sample of 348 participants in Vietnam who had direct experience with metaverse commerce services. Then, the collected data was subjected to analysis using two distinct methodologies: partial least squares structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks. Findings The findings of this study provide significant insights into the correlation between social presence, telepresence and impulsive buying behavior within the field of metaverse commerce. The research findings also indicate that the impact of social presence and telepresence on impulsive purchasing behavior is contingent upon the enhanced vividness, effectiveness and interactivity of the virtual environment. Originality/value The present investigation unveiled a range of linear and non-linear mechanisms that elucidate the functions of effectiveness, vividness and interactivity in facilitating the complex interplay between social presence, telepresence and impulsive buying behavior in the context of metaverse commerce. The study provides both theoretical and practical contributions to the existing body of literature on Metaverse commerce.