However, while surfers may be more trusting, online shoppers are 30% less loyal to online businesses than in 2007.
Author of the study, Dr Brent Coker, said the increase in online consumer trust is largely linked to the visual appeal of websites. “As aesthetically orientated humans, we’re psychologically hardwired to trust beautiful people, and the same goes for websites. Our offline behaviour and inclinations translate to our online existence. As the internet has become prettier, we are venturing out, and becoming less loyal.”
“With websites becoming increasingly attractive and including more trimmings, this creates agreater feeling of trustworthiness and professionalism in online consumers.