IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319-1775 Online 2320-7876

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IN SHAPING CONSUMER CHOICES FOR NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED FOOD: A CASE STUDY OF YOUNG ADULTS

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*Smt. SANJOTA S SIRSANGI,

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social media marketing in shaping the food choices of young adults, with a particular focus on nutritionally balanced food options. With the rise of digital platforms, social media has become a significant tool for marketing, influencing consumer behavior, especially among the younger demographic. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A survey was administered to 300 young adults aged 18-30 years, exploring their social media usage, interaction with food-related content, and its impact on their food choices. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The study reveals that social media marketing significantly influences young adults’ food choices, with influencer endorsements and food-related content frequently driving decisions toward healthier options. Additionally, ethical concerns related to the portrayal of food products and body image in marketing were also examined. The findings suggest that while social media marketing encourages healthier food choices, it also raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding the promotion of unhealthy food options and unrealistic body images. The research provides valuable insights into the ethical implications of social media marketing in the food industry, highlighting the need for responsible advertising practices. The study's limitations include the sample's demographic homogeneity and the cross-sectional nature of the research. Future studies could explore the long-term effects of social media marketing on eating habits and health perceptions.

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