IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Digital Trust and Mediated Persuasion: The Influence of Parasocial Relationships and Influencer Credibility on Social Media

Digital Trust and Mediated Persuasion: The Influence of Parasocial Relationships and Influencer Credibility on Social Media
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Claudia Yáñez-Valdés (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile)and Amanda Arias-Ramírez (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 30
Source title: Insights on Consumer Psychology in the Digital Landscape
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Kamel Mouloudj (University of Medea, Algeria)and Ahmed Chemseddine Bouarar (University of Medea, Algeria)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-2424-1.ch011

Purchase


Abstract

Social media has transformed consumer-brand interactions, positioning influencers as key persuasive agents. Through continuous content creation, they build emotional bonds and establish trust. The parasocial relationship (PSR) and perceived credibility are crucial for shaping purchase intentions, yet their interaction remains underexplored. This quantitative, cross-sectional study involved 184 active social media users who follow at least one influencer with 10,000+ followers. Data were collected through an online survey using validated scales for physical attractiveness, social attractiveness, expertise, PSR, and trust. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS, results showed that social attractiveness and expertise significantly predicted PSR, while physical attractiveness had a moderate effect. Additionally, PSR strongly predicted consumer trust. These findings highlight the importance of combining interpersonal attributes and expertise to strengthen emotional connections and enhance trust, guiding influencer selection in marketing strategies

Related Content

Robin Robin, Robert van der Veen. © 2026. 38 pages.
Maria Carmela Aprile, Francesco Testa. © 2026. 28 pages.
Müzeyyen Gelibolu. © 2026. 34 pages.
Liudmyla Bovsh, Ahmed Chemseddine Bouarar, Larysa Hopkalo, Kamel Mouloudj. © 2026. 24 pages.
Souad Maghraoui, Lilia Khrouf. © 2026. 28 pages.
Yen Teng Cheam, Ponmalar N Alagappar. © 2026. 32 pages.
Eeman Almokdad, Kamel Mouloudj. © 2026. 26 pages.
Body Bottom