Universal Access to the Internet for Attaining Responsible Consumption-Based Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

Nearly every country establishes a multitude of local and national policies and initiatives to address the social, economic, and environmental concerns mentioned in the SDGs. It has been noted that one of the main obstacles to reaching the SDGs outlined by the United Nations is the absence of public participation in the implementation of policies. Online shopping, or buying products and services over the Internet, is a huge industry that has changed the face of modern retailing and greatly impacted the world economy. Access to the universal internet is a key enabler in extending the scope of online shopping. It offers convenience, wider choices, affordable prices, flexibility, ubiquity, and accessibility to consumers. By engaging in mindful consumption, individuals can become more aware of and responsible for their choices as consumers. It also encourages individuals to take their time, think about their morals, and make decisions consistent with their ethical and environmental values, eventually encouraging more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyles. This exploratory study utilized a qualitative approach to conceptualize the role of universal access to the Internet in online shopping; the relationship between online shopping and responsible consumption; and the part that mindful consumption plays using the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) framework. Propositions are generated to express the linkages as a result of the study.