ATHENA: Journal of Social Culture and Society
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): July 2026

Influencer Economy and Consumer Behavior: A Conceptual Analysis of Digital Marketing’s Economic Effects

Filiz Kutluay Tutar (Unknown)
Abukalloub, Abdallah (Unknown)
Ayşe Güngör (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examines the influencer economy as a foundational component of the digital economy, exploring how digital marketing drives consumer behavior within platform-based markets. Utilizing a conceptual and literature-based approach, the research synthesizes recent studies across digital marketing, consumer behavior, platform economics, and digital labor. To move beyond fragmented perspectives, this study introduces the Value-Conversion Model of Influencer Markets. The analysis demonstrates that digital influence operates through a sequential progression: macro-level structural conditions (algorithmic governance, platform infrastructure, and digital labor) dictate market access; relational mechanisms (source credibility, perceived authenticity, and parasocial interaction) mediate audience persuasion; and behavioral constructs capture the final micro-level economic value (purchase intention, symbolic consumption, and brand loyalty). By explicitly linking psychological mechanisms with the political economy of platforms, the paper situates influencer marketing within broader discussions of asymmetrical value extraction and platform capitalism. Finally, the study highlights significant research gaps related to datafication, regulatory transparency, and cross-platform differences, offering a comprehensive theoretical blueprint for future empirical research and policy development.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

athena

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Athena: Journal of Social, Culture and Society is a peer-reviewed academic international journal that publishes original research on a wide range of topics related to social, cultural, and societal issues. Our goal is to provide a forum for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share their ...