Kendra Fowler

Abstract This manuscript provides a novel and formalized framework of the virtual influencer ecosystem. To do so, we first conducted a systematic literature review coupled with a thematic analysis whereby we profiled the literature, identified commonly employed theories, detailed a conceptual framework of the existing literature, and elaborated upon six themes within the literature.

1 INTRODUCTION Consumer behavior is complex, multi-faceted, and influenced by many contributing factors. When explored from an evolutionary psychology (EP) viewpoint, fundamental mechanisms that have allowed humans to evolve and thrive for centuries can be applied to consumer behavior, resulting in a more nuanced understanding of the underlying motivations driving consumption.

1 INTRODUCTION Social media influencers are individuals who use social media to foster online connections to gain social capital, often with the intent to parlay that capital into compensation from others who desire to gain an advantage from the influencer's ability to persuade their followers (Fowler & Thomas, 2023).