Paper Type

Short

Abstract

This study explores the role of social media in fostering sustainability mindfulness, emphasizing both social and environmental dimensions. While social media's potential for influencing behaviors is well-documented, its ability to cultivate mindfulness around sustainability issues remains underexplored. Drawing on Langer’s (2000) mindful learning theory, we investigate how individual, content, usage, and network characteristics of social media combine to enhance mindfulness regarding sustainability issues such as poverty, inequality, waste reduction, and energy conservation. Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we identify equifinal pathways through which social media attributes, such as echo chambers, influencers, and algorithmic personalization, promote or inhibit sustainability mindfulness. Our findings aim to contribute to information systems literature by integrating mindfulness and sustainability concepts, advancing theoretical understanding, and offering actionable insights for policymakers and platform designers.

Share

COinS
 
Dec 14th, 12:00 AM

Unveiling Pathways of Social Media Use for Social and Environmental Sustainability Mindfulness

This study explores the role of social media in fostering sustainability mindfulness, emphasizing both social and environmental dimensions. While social media's potential for influencing behaviors is well-documented, its ability to cultivate mindfulness around sustainability issues remains underexplored. Drawing on Langer’s (2000) mindful learning theory, we investigate how individual, content, usage, and network characteristics of social media combine to enhance mindfulness regarding sustainability issues such as poverty, inequality, waste reduction, and energy conservation. Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we identify equifinal pathways through which social media attributes, such as echo chambers, influencers, and algorithmic personalization, promote or inhibit sustainability mindfulness. Our findings aim to contribute to information systems literature by integrating mindfulness and sustainability concepts, advancing theoretical understanding, and offering actionable insights for policymakers and platform designers.

When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.