A profile of compulsive buyers in e-Commerce: The role of perceived platform features and personality traits

The increasing tendency of compulsive buying behavior in e-commerce highlights the significant interplay between perceived platform features and psychological factors. However, studies integrating consumer perceptions of digital transaction features with personality traits such as narcissism and fear of missing out (FOMO) remain limited. To address this gap, this study examines the associations between perceptions of e-payment features, cash on delivery (COD), and free shipping, along with narcissism and FOMO, and compulsive buying behavior. It also investigates the link between narcissism and FOMO, and the moderating role of narcissism in the relationship between perceived platform features and compulsive buying behavior. Using a quantitative survey approach focused on a profile of compulsive buyers, 558 valid responses were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS. The results indicate that positive perceptions of electronic payment, COD, and free shipping, as well as narcissism and FOMO, are all significant predictors of compulsive buying behavior. Narcissism also associates with increased FOMO and partially moderates the relationship between perceived platform features and compulsive buying behavior. These findings urge e-commerce platforms to refine features and promotions, encourage ethical marketing, and use customer profiles to support responsible purchasing