Chapter 8 Dancing to the Algorithm, a Discussion of the Online Shopping Behaviour of Minors

The objective of this chapter is to examine the concept of minors, internet-enabled devices and online shopping behaviour. The methods deployed are a rigorous examination of the literature coupled with educated observations and the development of a theoretical model. The author concludes that whilst there are apparent benefits for minors having unlimited access to the internet, there are obvious causes for concern in the form of harm to the users. These are organised into a six-sector matrix. The overall contribution of the chapter is to highlight the reality of the phenomenon, to provide a balanced view of the benefits and harm and to suggest more empirical measures to determine the causes and to an extent how the benefits can be most effectively optimised and the harm limited with specific reference to retail futures. Learning Outcomes By the end of this chapter on minors, internet-enabled devices and online shopping behaviour, readers will be able to Identify fundamental benefits and harm engendered when minors have unlimited access to internet-enabled devices Locate the main catalysts of benefit and harm to minors due to internet usage Show how a priori studies have created a rich and balanced narrative in the field of benefits and harm of the internet to minors Argue how the benefits outweigh the harm (or vice versa) impacting on minors in unlimited use of the internet Develop strategies to enhance the benefits and limit the harm caused by unlimited access to the internet