Table 2 Items for measuring each variable

Sustainability-related information seeking (WSS)

WS1: Regarding sustainability issues, I seek more information supporting my opinions.

WS2: Regarding sustainability issues, I seek more information supporting the other opinions

WS3: Regarding sustainability issues, I seek more information that offers a balanced view.

WS4: Regarding sustainability issues, I seek more opinions supporting my point of view.

WS5: Regarding sustainability issues, I seek more opinions supporting the other points of view.

Borah (2014)

Dependency on social media for sustainability-related information (DSM)

Information available on social media helps me –

DSM1: decide whether to buy sustainable products/brands or not.

DSM2: decide which products/brands are sustainable and which are not.

DSM3: decide whether to buy a certain sustainable product/brand or not.

DSM4: know what sustainable products/brands make good impressions on others.

DSM5: decide what sustainable products/brands to buy.

DSM6: decide between different sustainable products/brands alternatives.

DSM7: choose the right sustainable product/brand.

Grant (1996)

Sustainability risk (SR)

When I read negative statements by other users on social media about a certain product/brand with respect to its sustainability characteristics, I would likely suspect that –

SR1: the product/brand will not meet the desired sustainability criteria.

SR2: the product/ brand will not work properly with respect to sustainability requirements.

SR3: I would face negative consequences if I use this product/brand, because of social or environmental harm.

SR4: using the product/brand will negatively affect sustainability aspects (e.g., environment, work conditions, etc.)

SR5: using the product/brand would damage my reputation or image as a person who cares about sustainability.

Chen and Chang (2012)

Sustainability trust (ST)

When I read positive statements by other users on social media about a certain product/brand with respect to its sustainability characteristics, I would likely think that –

ST1: the product/brand’s sustainability reputation is generally reliable.

ST2: the product/brand will work properly with respect to sustainability requirements.

ST3: the product/brand’s claims regarding sustainability are generally trustworthy.

ST4: the product/brand’s concerns about sustainability meet my expectations.

ST5: the product/brand keeps promises and commitments regarding sustainability.

Chen and Chang (2012)

Intention to purchase (IP)

IP1: I intend to purchase sustainable products/brands, because of their sustainability concerns.

IP2: I expect to purchase sustainable products/brands in the near future.

IP3: I avoid buying products/brands that are potentially unsustainable.

IP4: Overall, I am glad to purchase sustainable products/brands, because they are sustainable.

IP5: When I have to choose between two similar products/brands, I choose the one that is more sustainable.

IP6: I will not consider sustainability-related issues when making a purchase.

Chen and Chang (2012)