Shaping young consumers: Unpacking the role of socialization agents in Indonesian adolescents’ consumption behavior

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Ela Wulandari

2026 Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment Article Cited by 0 Quartile

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the formation of consumption behavior, where social influences significantly shape preferences, attitudes, and financial decisions. This study investigates the influence of three key socialization agents, family economic education, peer conformity, and social media, on adolescent consumption behavior in Indonesia, guided by Consumer Socialization Theory. Employing a quantitative explanatory approach with Structural Equation Modeling—Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), data were collected from 503 adolescents aged 15 - 19 years across several regions in Central Java, Indonesia. The results reveal that all three variables have positive and significant effects on consumption behavior. Family economic education influences adolescents through financial communication, role modeling, and economic support. Peer conformity shapes consumption choices based on group norms and the desire for social acceptance. Social media plays a dynamic role by exposing adolescents to digital content, trends, and influencers that shape their consumption patterns. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of consumer socialization and emphasize the importance of both offline and online environments in shaping responsible consumption. This study contributes to the growing literature on youth consumer behavior and provides practical implications for families, educators, and policymakers in promoting financial literacy and sustainable consumption practices among adolescents. © 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Affiliations

Economics Education, State University of Malang, Malang, Indonesia