Reconceptualising social media impulse buying through a recursive temporal SOR perspective.
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Fecha
2026-09-06
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John Wiley and Sons Inc
Resumen
Impulse buying in social media is commonly examined through the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) framework, yet empirical applications often treat purchase as the endpoint of a linear sequence and give limited attention to how post-purchase states and platform-mediated re-exposure shape subsequent episodes. This study extends SOR theory by conceptualising social media impulse buying as a recursive temporal process in which stimuli, organismic states and responses remain analytically distinct but temporally non-separable. Using the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol, we reviewed 124 empirical studies identified through Scopus and Web of Science and published between 2015 and January 2026. Content analysis and thematic synthesis classified constructs across conventional and hybrid SOR sectors and three temporal phases: pre-impulse activation, the purchase moment and the post-purchase phase. The synthesis shows that many mechanisms cross conventional SOR boundaries, that impulse buying unfolds across interconnected phases, and that behavioural responses may become new stimuli through social visibility, continued engagement and algorithmic reinforcement. Risk perception changes from anticipatory loss and fear of missing out before purchase, to temporary suppression during purchase, and to retrospective regret, guilt or dissonance afterwards. The study develops a Möbius-inspired temporal SOR framework that extends, rather than replaces, SOR by explaining how responses may contribute recursively to subsequent exposure and impulse episodes. The findings encourage marketers, platforms and policymakers to assess impulse buying beyond immediate conversion and consider transparent, responsible measures to limit harmful cycles of urgency, social pressure and repeated personalised exposure.
Palabras clave
Algorithmic reinforcement
Impulse buying
Möbius-inspired temporal SOR framework
Risk perception
Social media
SOR framework
Systematic literature review
Temporality
Impulse buying
Möbius-inspired temporal SOR framework
Risk perception
Social media
SOR framework
Systematic literature review
Temporality
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Materias
Cita
Ronda, L., Tobon, S., & Abril, C. (2026). Reconceptualising social media impulse buying through a recursive temporal SOR perspective. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 50(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/IJCS.70256