Abstract
The purpose of this research is to increase understanding of Taylor’s six-segment strategy wheel (SSSW) by exploring how message strategy makes use of commenters’ parasocial interactions (PSIs) with social media influencers (SMIs). Recent research findings have concluded that younger viewers often consider PSIs/parasocial relationships (PSRs) to be highly similar to their social interactions/relationships. To understand this phenomenon, the research explores the dynamics of the vaping community, because SMIs are a primary means of product information. Vaping companies use SMIs who are known only to the collective group of like-minded peers to create a loyal audience. The present study uses research from the SSSW and PSIs to understand persuasive cues while watching a video featuring an SMI.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Emory S. Daniel
Emory S. Daniel, Jr. (Ph.D, Dakota State University) is an assistant professor, Appalachian State University.
Elizabeth C. Crawford Jackson
Elizabeth C. Crawford Jackson (PhD, University of Tennessee, Knoxville) is an associate professor, North Dakota State University.
David K. Westerman
David K. Westerman (PhD, Michigan State University) is an associate professor, North Dakota State University.