digitalwellbeing.orgHow to thrive in our hyper-connected world

Facebook Launches ‘Shops’ 2020 (screenshots)

Social commerce finally comes to Facebook, as the social media giant launches a new e-commerce feature called Shops for its suite of social media apps.

The link to digital wellbeing might appear tenuous, but did you know that shopping can improve psychological wellbeing? Yes, retail therapy works – a little shopping can both reduce negative mood, and enhance positive mood. In fact, frequent shopping is linked to increased life expectancy.

And critically for Facebook Shops, one of the key reasons retail therapy works is that shopping is that it is a social experience. So, if Facebook’s new Shops feature makes online shopping a more social experience, then it could contribute to the wellbeing of its users.

Available first in Instagram and Facebook apps, Shops provides in-app storefront that will allow users to browse, save, order and (in the US) buy products from within the app. It’s similar to the ‘Checkout on Instagram‘ feature trialled last year. For those shopping from outside the US, the Shops function allows users to checkout on an external website.

After testing, the Shops functionality will be extended to allow customers to shop and checkout within a chat in WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct.

It’s simple, basic and free (although for in-app checkouts there appears to be a 5% fee or $0.40 for transactions under $8)- and something that Facebook has been promising to offer for many years… Whilst popular in Asia, social commerce has had a number of false dawns in the West. Will Shops change this?

Having tracked the development of social commerce for over a decade, and written two books on the subject, my view is that the success of Shops will depend on whether big advertisers choose to integrate Shops into their social media ad campaigns. By adopting Shops to measure and monetise social media advertising, major brands and retailers will shift norms, trends and behaviour.

Written by
Dr Paul Marsden
Join the discussion

11 comments
  • Online reputation management is very important not only to respond correctly to what people say about you, your brand or your offers. You must be able to react in time

  • In addition to their fascinating beauties, Ukrainian brides are also known for having smart minds. In Ukraine, they attach great importance to education. Ukrainian brides believe that as long as you complete your studies, you will succeed. Even if Ukrainian brides can barely speak English fluently, it does not mean that Ukrainian brides do not have a degree. Most of them graduated from universities and worked in world-class companies.

  • Thank you for step by step instructions, just ready for launched my personal bikini shop so found it really useful. Facebook upgrade really comfortable tools for managing business, I am totally happy to use it

  • It’s common knowledge that Ukrainian brides are exceptionally bright, in addition to possessing entrancing good looks. In Ukraine, they place a significant emphasis on getting a good education. Brides from Ukraine have the mindset that if you work hard and finish what you start, you will be successful.

  • Winlator is an Android app that empowers you to execute Windows x64 and x86 applications on Android devices, thanks to the combined capabilities of Wine and Box86/Box64.

  • Facebook’s 2020 launch of ‘Shops’ revolutionized online commerce, allowing businesses to create a seamless shopping experience. Just like mastering a level in Geometry Dash, sellers navigate challenges to attract customers and boost sales through an engaging platform.

digitalwellbeing.org

digitalwellbeing.org

Digital wellbeing covers the latest scientific research on the impact of digital technology on human wellbeing. Curated by psychologist Dr. Paul Marsden (@marsattacks). Sponsored by WPP agency SYZYGY.