The impact of online platform transparency of information on consumer’s choices

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/htja5
• Publication Date: 2020-04-29T10:56:29Z
• Authors: Giuseppe Alessand...; Francisco Lupiáñe...; F. Folkvord; Alexandra Theben; George Gaskell
• Keywords: Affect; Heuristics

Millions of Europeans use online platforms with almost blind trust that the operate in interests consumer. However, presentation search results, transparency about contractual parties and publication user reviews contribute to value Europe’s Single Digital Market also pose significant risks regarding consumer protection market competition. The current study investigates how enhanced information might affect consumers’ activities choice behaviour.Following an exploratory qualitative study, three discrete experiments were conducted representative samples 1200 respondents each four countries - Germany, Poland, Spain UK. objective was test whether increased information, details entities implications for protection, ratings would choices. results show increases probability product selection. A comparison across found similarities responses far greater than differences. findings are discussed relation biases heuristics identified behavioural science. In conclusion recommendations made increase which empirical evidence this shows benefit both users platform operators.