Figure 1 Conceptual framework Source: Authors’ own work A conceptual model links perceived agenticity, authenticity, consumer trust and emotional engagement to consumer autonomy and well-being, with cultural factors moderating paths. The model defines perceived agenticity through autonomy, ... More about this image found in Conceptual framework Source: Authors’ own work A conceptual model lin...

Figure 2 Beyond the model Source: Authors’ own work A conceptual model links authenticity, culture, trust, parasocial interaction, persuasion knowledge and digital literacy to well-being through relational and digital pathways. Authenticity enhances perceived trustworthiness and also promot... More about this image found in Beyond the model Source: Authors’ own work A conceptual model links a...

Figure 1 Conceptual model Note: Dotted line indicates mediation effects A conceptual model links ethnic identity, ethnic-inspired product consumption and attachment with recycling behaviours, with style versus fashion orientation as a moderator. The conceptual model begins with Ethnic Ident... More about this image found in Conceptual model Note: Dotted line indicates mediation effects A conc...

Figure 1 Conceptual model for moderating and mediating effects A conceptual model shows how minority versus gender-balanced representation influences gender alignment and purchase intentions through self-verification, with cultural masculinity moderating key relationships. The model links mino... More about this image found in Conceptual model for moderating and mediating effects A conceptual model...

Figure 2 Gender alignment and purchase intentions in minority and gender-balanced context A line graph compares gender alignment and purchase intention across majority, gender-balanced and minority conditions, with both measures highest in the minority condition. The horizontal axis shows 3 co... More about this image found in Gender alignment and purchase intentions in minority and gender-balanced co...

Figure 3 Gender alignment with gender-neutral products in minority/balanced context for respondent from different cultures A line graph compares balanced and minority conditions in the U A E and Sweden, with both countries showing higher values under the minority condition. The horizontal axis... More about this image found in Gender alignment with gender-neutral products in minority/balanced context ...

Figure 4 Purchase intention of gender-neutral products in minority/balanced context for respondent from different cultures A line graph compares balanced and minority conditions in the U A E and Sweden, with both increasing under the minority condition and a larger rise in the U A E. The horiz... More about this image found in Purchase intention of gender-neutral products in minority/balanced context ...

Figure 5 Estimated model for moderating and mediating effects Note(s): *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ns = not significant A moderated mediation model shows minority versus gender-balanced representation influencing purchase intention indirectly through self-verification, while cultural masculinity moderates the relationships involving representation. The model shows that minority versus gender-balanced representation has a significant positive relationship with self-verification, with a coefficient of 0.571 and p less than 0.05. Self-verification has a significant positive relationship with purchase intention, with a coefficient of 0.139 and p less than 0.001. The direct relationship between minority versus gender-balanced representation and purchase intention has a coefficient of 0.107 and is not significant. Cultural masculinity, categorized as high versus low, significantly moderates the relationship between minority versus gender-balanced representation and self-verification, with a coefficient of 0.47 and p less than 0.05. It also significantly moderates the relationship between minority versus gender-balanced representation and purchase intention, with a coefficient of 0.387 and p less than 0.05. More about this image found in Estimated model for moderating and mediating effects Note(s): *p...

Figure A1 Stimulus Image of Gender-Neutral Product Note(s): Pre-test Results: N = 40 (27 males), Mmasc = 5.35 and Mfem = 5.14; t(39) = 0.13, p = 0.84 A pair of white athletic shoes are displayed on a light surface. The shoes feature a smooth design with textured panels and lace-up fronts. A pair of athletic shoes are presented, primarily in white, showing a sleek design suitable for sports or casual wear. The shoes have smooth white synthetic materials and textured panels on the sides, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. They feature a traditional lace-up front with evenly spaced eyelets and pulls at the back for easy wear. The shoes are positioned on a light, neutral surface, providing a contrast that highlights their shape and details. More about this image found in Stimulus Image of Gender-Neutral Product Note(s): Pre-test Results:

Figure A2 Image of the pre-tested gender-neutral water bottle used as stimulus in study 2 Note(s): M_masculine = 5.34, SD = 1.08; M_feminine = 5.04, SD = 1.12; t(49) = 0.39, p = 0.698 A stainless steel thermos with vertical grooves stands upright on a smooth surface. The image features a tall, slender stainless steel thermos with vertically aligned grooves on its surface, giving it a textured appearance. The thermos has a rounded, flat lid at the top. It is placed upright on a smooth, light-coloured surface that reflects some light. The background is neutral, allowing the thermos to stand out without distractions. The overall design appears minimalist and modern. More about this image found in Image of the pre-tested gender-neutral water bottle used as stimulus in stu...

Figure 1 Article selection process based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses A flowchart traces 5,153 database records through identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion to 31 reviewed articles. The identification process begins with 5,153 records i... More about this image found in Article selection process based on preferred reporting items for systematic...

Figure 2 Summary of theoretical approaches used in social (dis)connection and consumer trust in the age of artificial intelligence A diagram organises theories used in reviewed studies into technology interface and interpersonal categories with thematic subgroups. The technology interface cate... More about this image found in Summary of theoretical approaches used in social (dis)connection and consum...

Figure 3 Compensatory-defensive trust in the AI (CDT-AI) framework A flowchart traces theoretical foundations through psychological mechanisms and loneliness into compensatory trust and defensive distrust pathways. The flow begins with theoretical foundations comprising Construal Level Theor... More about this image found in Compensatory-defensive trust in the AI (CDT-AI) framework A flowchart ...

Figure 4 Integrative conceptual framework. Social (dis)connection, trust and artificial intelligence A flowchart traces social disconnection and social A I factors through psychological processes and trust to behavioural outcomes. The flow begins with social disconnection-related factors compr... More about this image found in Integrative conceptual framework. Social (dis)connection, trust and artific...

Figure 5 Summary of future research directions. Social (dis)connection; trust; AI (artificial intelligence); loneliness; alienation; and social isolation A research agenda diagram presents promising research foci, theory development, concepts and processes, methodology, and practical implicat... More about this image found in Summary of future research directions. Social (dis)connection; trust; AI ...