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It is true that developing technology has significantly changed
consumer behaviour in several ways, particularly as consumers are allowed to
acquire more information readily. While some people think this change brings a
few negative effects, I firmly believe that it is more beneficial, in general, since
it leads to acquiring consumer goods more efficiently and conveniently.
The main way that technology has influenced consumer
behaviour is that people can weigh their options and information easier prior
to making a purchase. In the past, people were hardly able to collect practical
information from others who already had experiences with the same product or
service. However, due to technological advances, consumers these days easily
access other people’s opinions via the Internet. In addition, people can
compare the features of many similar commodities online. For example, lots of
people can visit a hotel booking website to search for the hotels before they
travel. These sites usually afford not only details of facilities, but also, customers’
reviews and ratings. Consequently, potential travelers can determine which
hotel is the most worthwhile to stay at.
Even though it is undeniable that there are the potential
disadvantages of these changed consumer activities as a result of technological
developments, it is evident that the advantages outweigh them. Nowadays,
consumers utilize the Internet for their shopping and it helps people save time
and money. By ordering merchandise on websites, shoppers do not need to wander out
to search for and buy what they want and they can find the best available deal
more rapidly. According to recent surveys in the United States, approximately
75 per cent of responders who used online shopping answered that they prefer purchasing
through online shopping sites than retail stores because it is convenient and
the prices are more reasonable on average.
To sum up, technological advances make it possible for consumers
to obtain more information and choices prior to making purchases. Therefore, it
seems clear that it is a positive development for consumers.
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