THE BOOK
Have you ever stopped to question the intent behind our actions online? The motivations that drive us, the desires that push us forward, and the conscious and unconscious decisions we make daily as we navigate the Web for business and leisure. Intent is the invisible force that guides our thoughts, shapes our behaviours, and ultimately determines our destinies. From the courtroom to the digital marketplace, intent plays a pivotal role in shaping our decisions, influencing our search for products, and ultimately driving our purchasing choices.
For some, the concept of intent is deeply entwined with criminal law. We have grown accustomed to associating intent with criminal acts, with the notion of mens rea—the guilty mind. But what happens when we step outside the confines of the courtroom and into the vast expanse of the online world? How does intent manifest when searching for products, comparing options, and deciding whether and what to purchase?
It is crucial to recognise that our understanding of intent is dynamic. Just as the concept has evolved within the framework of criminal law, so too has it evolved in the context of consumer behaviour. In the following pages, we explore how intent can be influenced by social influence, advertising, and even the algorithms that shape our online experiences. We delve into the psychology behind our decision-making processes, uncovering the underlying motivations that drive us to click, browse, and purchase.
