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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Journal of Consumer ...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Journal of Consumer Behaviour
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
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The Catalytic Effect of Sensory Language: How Virtual Streamers “Talk” Consumers Into Purchasing

Authors: Kai Zhang; Biao Luo; Xinyue Zhang; Xiuzhen Weng;

The Catalytic Effect of Sensory Language: How Virtual Streamers “Talk” Consumers Into Purchasing

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the rapid adoption of virtual streamers in live streaming commerce, how their language strategies shape consumer decision‐making remains insufficiently understood. Although sensory language is widely used by human streamers as a persuasive device, its effectiveness in virtual streamer contexts remains inconclusive. Drawing on processing fluency theory, this study examines the interactive effects of virtual streamers' sensory language (present vs. absent) and message appeal (rational vs. emotional) on consumers' purchase intention, while testing processing fluency as a mediating mechanism and streamer‐product matching level as a moderating factor. Using scenario‐based experiments, the results show that sensory language is not universally effective; rather, its persuasive impact depends on its alignment with the type of message appeal. Specifically, sensory language enhances processing fluency and, when combined with emotional appeals, increases purchase intention, whereas it may undermine processing fluency under rational appeal conditions. Further analyses indicate that a high level of streamer‐product matching strengthens this interaction effect. By adopting an information‐processing perspective, this research identifies critical boundary conditions for the persuasive effectiveness of virtual streamers' language strategies, extends the literature on virtual streamer persuasion mechanisms, and provides actionable insights for content design in live streaming commerce.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
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