The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology (문화기술의 융합)

The International Promotion Agency of Culture Technology (국제문화기술진흥원)
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Virtual Influencers in Advertising: Examining the Effect of Social Exclusion and Parasocial Relationship

가상 인플루언서 광고효과 연구: 사회적 배제의 조절효과 및 준사회적 관계의 매개효과 고찰

  • 왕유연 (동국대학교-서울 광고홍보학과) ;
  • 안홍민 (동국대학교-서울 광고홍보학과)
  • Received : 2023.10.01
  • Accepted : 2023.11.10
  • Published : 2023.11.30
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Abstract

This study aims to explore the psychological factors influencing the persuasive effect of virtual influencers, with a specific focus on the impact of social exclusion. Additionally, it examines the mediating effect of parasocial relationships on advertising effectiveness. To achieve these goals, the study conducted an experiment using a 2 (influencer type: human vs. virtual human) × 2 (social exclusion: social exclusion vs. social acceptance) between-group factorial design. The results revealed that consumers who experienced social exclusion exhibited more positive attitudes toward the influencer and the product, higher intentions to purchase the product, and a greater willingness to share or recommend it, especially when the influencer was a real human (vs. a virtual influencer). These moderating effects were found to be mediated by parasocial relationships.

본 연구는 가상 인플루언서 설득효과에 영향을 미치는 소비자의 심리적 요인을 탐색하고자, 사회적 배제 경험에 주목하여 실제 인간 인플루언서와 가상인간 인플루언서 간의 광고효과 차이를 검증하였다. 또한 준사회적 관계가 인플루언서 유형과 사회적 배제 경험이 광고효과에 미치는 영향에 매개 변수로 역할을 하는 가를 검증하여 가상 인플루언서 광고효과에 대한 이해를 넓히고자 하였다. 이를 위해 2(인플루언서 유형: 인간 vs. 가상인간) × 2(사회적 배제 경험: 사회적 배제 vs. 사회적 수용)의 집단 간 요인 설계 실험을 진행하였다. 연구 결과, 사회적 배제를 경험한 집단은 가상 인플루언서 보다 실제 인간 인플루언서에 대해 더 긍정적인 인플루언서 태도, 제품 태도, 높은 제품 구매의도, 높은 공유/구전의도를 보였으며, 이러한 조절 효과는 준사회적 관계로 매개된다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

Keywords

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