The Use of TikTok Social Media in Influencing Generation Z Online Purchasing Behaviour in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/mrj.vol12.2.4.2023Keywords:
TikTok, purchasing behaviour, generation Z, marketing, advertisingAbstract
TikTok is one of the world's fastest-growing social media platforms, with over 170 million downloads, making it the most downloaded app in the world in 2022. Almost half of TikTok's user base comprises young people aged 18 to 24. TikTok has been used by many sellers and companies to spread their advertising and marketing campaigns in order to sell their products due to its large number of users and exponential popularity. However, purchases made by the younger generation were made impulsively and simply by following social trends, resulting in unnecessary purchases. This behaviour is seen as widespread, particularly among the younger generation. The purpose of this research is to look into the factors that influence Gen Z's purchasing habits. The data is gathered using a qualitative method that includes a focus group discussion. A semi-structured interview with 5-6 people was divided into two groups. Despite the fact that the products are not required, the majority of respondents said they would buy them after viewing a product or service-related video post on TikTok. The findings offer recommendations for future TikTok research as well as an opportunity for relevant authorities to design appropriate frameworks to reduce impulsive purchases among Gen Z.
Downloads
References
Adamczyk, A. A. (2021). Here’s why you probably bought something you saw on TikTok. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/26/heres-why-you-probably-bought-something-you-saw-on-tiktok.html
Araujo, C. J., Perater, K. A., Quicho, A. M., & Etrata, A. (2022). Influence of TikTok Video Advertisements on Generation Z’s Behavior and Purchase Intention. International Journal of Social and Management Studies, 3(2), 140-152. https://doi.org/10.5555/ijosmas.v3i2.123
Azahar, S.A. (2021). Post-pandemic growth: Address barriers to business digital transformation. The Malaysian Reserve. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/10/21/post-pandemic-growth-address-barriers-to-business-digital-transformation/
Bhandari, A., & Bimo, S. (2022). Why’s Everyone on TikTok Now? The Algorithmized Self and the Future of Self-Making on Social Media. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051221086241
Colicev, A., Kumar, A., & O'Connor, P. (2019). Modeling the relationship between firm and user-generated content and the stages of the marketing funnel. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 36(1), 100-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijresmar.2018.09.005
Dabija, D. C., & Lung, L. (2018, May). Millennials versus Gen Z: online shopping behaviour in an emerging market. In Griffiths School of Management and IT Annual Conference on Business, Entrepreneurship and Ethics (pp. 1-18). Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-17215-2_1
Dellato, M.D. (2021). TikTok hits 1 billion monthly active users. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2021/09/27/tiktok-hits-1-billion-monthly-active-users/amp/
Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal (2021). Demographics Statistics Third Quarter 2021, Malaysia. https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=430&bul_id=N05ydD
Djafarova, E., & Bowes, T. (2021). ‘Instagram made Me buy it’: Generation Z impulse purchases in the fashion industry. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 59, 102345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102345
Evans, C., & Lewis, J. (2018). Analyzing semi-structured interviews using thematic analysis: exploring voluntary civic participation among adults. SAGE Journals. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781526439284
Fadillah, F., & Kusumawati, N. (2021). Factors Affecting Makeup Products Online Impulsive Buying Behavior on TikTok. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nurrani-Kusumawati-2/publication/358090165_Factors
Genoveva, G. (2022). TikTok Platform Opportunity: How Does It Influence SMEs Brand Awareness Among Generation Z?. Sriwijaya International Journal Of Dynamic Economics And Business, 5(3), 273-282. https://doi.org/10.29259/sijdeb.v5i3.273-282
Gentina, E. (2020). Generation Z in Asia: a research agenda. The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalisation. doi:10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201002
Geyser, W. G. (2022). How does the TikTok algorithm work?. Influencer Marketing Hub. https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-algorithm/
Hart, S. K. (2022). Are You New Here? Understanding How Generation Z Uses TikTok and the Future of Social Media Marketing. Doctoral dissertation, University of Miami. https://scholarship.miami.edu/discovery/delivery/01UOML_INST:ResearchRepository/12401605790002976?l#13401605780002976
Hasena, C., & Sakapurnama, E. (2021). Leveraging Electronic Word of Mouth on TikTok: Something Skin Care Product Innovation to Increase Consumer Purchase Intention. Hasanuddin Economics and Business Review, 5(1), 19-25. [17] http://dx.doi.org/10.26487/hebr.v5i1.2746
Hassan, H. H. (2020). TikTok gaining popularity among Malaysians. The Sun. https://www.thesundaily.my/local/tiktok-gaining-popularity-among-malaysians-XH4339330
Ibañez, J. I. (2022). TikTok’s e-commerce arm sets up shop in Malaysia. Tech in Asia. https://www.techinasia.com/tiktok-shop-launches-malaysia
Kamal, S. S. L. B. A. (2019). Research paradigm and the philosophical foundations of a qualitative study. PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 1386-1394. https://doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2019.43.13861394
Kemp, S.K. (2022). Digital 2022: Malaysia. Data Reportal. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-malaysia
Lim, P., & Parker, A. (2020). Mentoring millennials in an Asian context: Talent management insights from Singapore. Emerald Group Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-483-620201003
Lundstrom, K. L. (2021). Nearly Half of TikTokers Are Buying Stuff From Brands They See on the Platform. AdWeek. https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/nearly-half-of-tiktokers-are-buying-stuff-from-brands-they-see-on-the-platform/
Mayrhofer, M., Matthes, J., Einwiller, S., & Naderer, B. (2020). User generated content presenting brands on social media increases young adults’ purchase intention. International Journal of Advertising, 39(1), 166-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2019.1596447
Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment, and People, 7(1), 23-48. https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v7i1.571
Ng, S.I., Ho, J. A., Lim, X. J., Chong, K. L. & Latiff, K. (2021). Mirror, mirror on the wall, are we ready for Gen-Z in the marketplace? A study of smart retailing technology in Malaysia. Young Consumers, 22(1), 68-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/YC-06-2019-1006
Ngangom, M. (2020). How TikTok has impacted Generation Z’s buying behaviour and their relationship with brands? Doctoral dissertation, Dublin Business School. https://esource.dbs.ie/handle/10788/4116
Nyumba, T. O., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and evolution, 9(1), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12860
Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the Fundamentals: A Simplistic Differentiation Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(2), 209+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A537590662/AONE?u=anon~ce24b3d9&sid=googleScholar&xid=92bd097c
Digital Business Lab (2021). Social Penetration in Malaysia (Research). https://digital-business-lab.com/2021/09/%e2%91%a1-social-media-penetration-in-malaysia-research/
Ting, H., Lim, T. Y., de Run, E. C., Koh, H., & Sahdan, M. (2018). Are we baby boomers, gen X and gen Y? A qualitative inquiry into generation cohorts in Malaysia. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 39(1), 109-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.06.004
Tjiptono, F., Khan, G., Yeong, E. S., & Kunchamboo, V. (2020). Generation Z in Malaysia: The Four ‘E’Generation. In The New Generation Z in Asia: Dynamics, Differences, Digitalisation. Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-220-820201015
Tomaszewski, L. E., Zarestky, J., & Gonzalez, E. (2020). Planning qualitative research: design and decision making for new researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920967174. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920967174
Walsh, S. W. (2022). The top 10 social media sites & platforms 2020. Search Engine Journal. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media/top-sites-platforms/#close
Wang, R. (2022). Does Short-form Video Application Shape Your Life?: An Empirical Study of TikTok Usage and Persuasive Behavior Change in China. Diva Portal. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1642278/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Ying, T. W., & Chein, T. S. (2021). Exploring The TikTok Influences On Consumer Impulsive Purchase Behavior In Malaysia. In Proceedings of The 2 nd Conference on Managing Digital Industry, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CoMDITE 2021) (p. 90). http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/9772/1/Proceedings%20of%20CoMDITE%202021.pdf#page=107
Ying, Z., Jianqiu, Z., Akram, U., & Rasool, H. (2021). TAM model evidence for online social commerce purchase intention. Information Resources Management Journal (IRMJ), 34(1), 86-108. https://ideas.repec.org/a/igg/rmj000/v34y2021i1p86-108.html
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Juliana Kristini Khalid, Wardatul Hayat Adnan, Shazleen Mohamed
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.