Cross-national evidence on influencer-driven green choice: a moderated-mediation model of authenticity, parasocial ties, and greenwashing exposure

May combine two claims.

Social media influencers are central conduits for sustainability messaging, yet the processes by which their content converts attention into green consumer action remain insufficiently specified.

“Social media influencers are central conduits for sustainability messaging, yet the processes by which their content converts attention into green consumer action remain insufficiently specified (Khurana et al., 2025;Kılıç and Gürlek, 2024;Wang and Walker, 2023).”

• cites Khurana et al., 2025 sourcePartly supported

  The Conclusions (page not provided) say influencers educate followers about the environmental advantages of green cosmetics and encourage adoption. The Introduction (page not provided) identifies a gap in understanding how influencer credibility, brand trust, and purchase intentions relate in that market. The paper does not examine a transition from attention to actual green consumer action, and its stated research gap is specific to green cosmetics rather than sustainability messaging generally. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Kılıç and Gürlek, 2024 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Wang and Walker, 2023 sourceCould not verify

  The Appendix B intervention text mentions social media only as a source of public attention to companies. Searches for “influencers” and for social-media influence on green consumer action found no passage addressing influencer messaging or a gap in understanding how it leads to action; the paper instead examines regaining trust after greenwashing. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Consumer skepticism is heightened by greenwashing-overstated or fabricated environmental claims-creating a climate where repeated exposure to misleading claims depresses responsiveness, even to well-intended messages.

“At the same time, consumer skepticism is heightened by greenwashing-overstated or fabricated environmental claims-creating a climate where repeated exposure to misleading claims depresses responsiveness, even to well-intended messages (Bastounis et al., 2021;Chen et al., 2015).”

• cites Bastounis et al., 2021 sourceCould not verify

  The Discussion suggests that familiarity with organic certification labels may increase trust relative to other claims. The Introduction discusses the value of accurate environmental information, but neither section addresses greenwashing, repeated exposure to misleading claims, or reduced responsiveness to well-intended messages (searched for greenwashing, skepticism, misleading claims, and trust). (LLM, conf=0.72)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Chen et al., 2015 sourcePartly supported

  The Conclusions and Implications (p. 14) report that greenwash is a negative determinant of green trust, supporting the claim's general link between greenwashing and consumer distrust. The paper does not address repeated exposure to misleading claims or reduced responsiveness to well-intended messages. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

AUTH can build trust by lowering inferences of opportunism and increasing perceived truthfulness; PSR can build trust by lowering perceived risk through relational closeness.

“AUTH can build trust by lowering inferences of opportunism and increasing perceived truthfulness; PSR can build trust by lowering perceived risk through relational closeness.”

• cites Bastounis et al., 2021 sourceCould not verify

  The Discussion says that familiarity with organic certification labels may increase consumers’ trust in those labels. It does not address AUTH, PSR, opportunism, truthfulness, or risk reduction through relational closeness; searches for those mechanisms found no supporting passage in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Chen et al., 2015 sourceCould not verify

  Section 2.5 (p. 6) defines trust in terms of reliability and nonmanipulation and says increased trust reduces anxiety and uncertainty. It does not address either proposed pathway: authenticity (AUTH) reducing inferred opportunism or increasing perceived truthfulness, or parasocial relationships (PSR) reducing perceived risk through relational closeness. Searches for those terms found no supporting passage in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Zhuang et al., 2021 sourceCould not verify

  The Theoretical Framework (Consumer Individual Characteristics; page unavailable) says trust can reduce perceived transaction risk, but it does not address authenticity (AUTH), parasocial relationships (PSR), opportunism, truthfulness, or relational closeness. Searches for those mechanisms found no passage supporting either proposed route to trust. (LLM, conf=0.74)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Consumer reactions to CSR vary even among neighboring nations (e.g., Greece vs. Bulgaria), indicating the necessity of empirical testing before assuming structural equivalence.

“Consumer reactions to CSR vary even among neighboring nations (e.g., Greece vs. Bulgaria), indicating the necessity of empirical testing before assuming structural equivalence (Ktisti et al., 2022;Nemes et al., 2022).”

• cites Ktisti et al., 2022 sourcePartly supported

  Section 3.3.2 (Greenwashing; page not provided) reports different consumer engagement with a greenwashing-related controversy across four countries, supporting the general point that reactions can vary by country. It does not compare Greece with Bulgaria or discuss empirical tests of structural equivalence. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Nemes et al., 2022 sourceCould not verify

  The Materials and Methods section discusses frameworks for assessing greenwashing, and the cited passages mentioning CSR do not report cross-national consumer reactions. Searches for Greece and Bulgaria, consumer responses to CSR, and structural equivalence found no passage addressing the claim. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Institutional governance and socio-cultural influences collectively determine audience perceptions of trust and skepticism regarding sustainability messages; however, evidence specific to influencers remains limited.

“Cross-national research indicates that institutional governance and socio-cultural influences collectively determine audience perceptions of trust and skepticism regarding sustainability messages; however, evidence specific to influencers remains limited (Colleoni et al., 2022;Kim et al., 2025;Strycharz and Segijn, 2024).”

• cites Colleoni et al., 2022 sourcePartly supported

  Section 2.1 discusses how CSR messages can elicit trust or skepticism, and Sections 2.2 and 6 link cultural differences to perceptions of CSR campaigns. The paper chiefly reports differences in campaign recall, however; it does not establish that institutional governance and socio-cultural influences collectively determine trust and skepticism. It mentions influencers as a possible information source in Section 3.3 but does not establish a research gap specific to them. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Kim et al., 2025 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Strycharz and Segijn, 2024 sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion of Study 1 (p. 5) reports cross-national differences in trust and privacy concerns, and Theoretical Contributions (p. 11) suggests regulatory differences may help explain why governmental and legal trust matter more in the U.S. The paper concerns reactions to advertising data collection, not trust or skepticism toward sustainability messages; it also does not assess influencers or establish that governance and culture collectively determine those perceptions. (LLM, conf=0.83)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A growing stream highlights authenticity-the perception that the creator is sincere and value-consistent-as the catalyst that turns attention into verifiable green action via trust.

“A growing stream highlights authenticitythe perception that the creator is sincere and value-consistent-as the catalyst that turns attention into verifiable green action via trust (Bastounis et al., 2021;Chen et al., 2015).”

• cites Bastounis et al., 2021 sourceCould not verify

  The Discussion says that familiarity may increase consumers’ trust in organic certification labels, and the Conclusions suggest ecolabels may encourage sustainable food purchasing. Neither passage addresses a creator’s sincerity or value-consistency, or a trust-mediated path from attention to verifiable green action. Searches for creator authenticity and that proposed mechanism found no supporting passage. (LLM, conf=0.78)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Chen et al., 2015 sourcePartly supported

  Section 2.5 (p. 6) describes trust in terms of integrity and reliability, and the Conclusions (p. 14) find that a product’s environmental friendliness is positively associated with green trust. The paper does not examine creator authenticity, attention, or verifiable green action, so it does not support the claimed pathway from attention to action via trust. (LLM, conf=0.83)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

ρA values resided between alpha and CR, typically being at least 0.70, reinforcing reliability in both the overall and country-specific samples.

“As anticipated, ρA values resided between alpha and CR, typically being ≥ 0.70, thereby reinforcing reliability in both the overall and country-specific samples (Henseler et al., 2015(Henseler et al., , 2016)).”

• cites Henseler et al., 2015 sourceCould not verify

  The appendix passage on Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (page not identified in our copy) defines those measures but does not discuss ρA or say that it falls between them. The Empirical example describes an ACSI dataset, not overall and country-specific reliability results. Searches for ρA, a 0.70 reliability threshold, and country-specific samples found no passage addressing the claim. (LLM, conf=0.73)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Henseler et al., 2016 sourcePartly supported

  Table I (p. 12) gives ρA ≥ 0.7 as a criterion for internal consistency reliability, supporting the cited reliability threshold. The Model specification section describes Cronbach’s α as a lower boundary, but does not say that ρA generally falls between α and composite reliability. The overall and country-specific values appear to be the citing authors’ results, not results attributed to this guidelines paper. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Indicators AUTH5, PSR5, and PGE4 with loadings below 0.50 were removed for both overall and country-specific data.

“By following these rules and using (Gefen and Straub, 2005) decision logic, the model was cleaned up by getting rid of AUTH5, PSR5, and PGE4 (loadings <0.50) for both overall and country-specific data.”

• cites Gefen and Straub, 2005 sourcePartly supported

  The discussion of PCA and EFA says that items that do not load properly may be dropped to purify an instrument, which supports the general decision to remove weak indicators. But the PLS Factorial Validity section says there is no established loading threshold and does not prescribe removal below 0.50. The named indicators and the overall and country-specific analyses are the citing authors’ own results, not findings attributed to Gefen and Straub. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

74.9% of UK respondents and 78.2% of Greek respondents had followed the influencer for at least 3 months.

“74.9% of respondents in the UK and 78.2% of respondents in Greece had followed the influencer for at least 3 months, with approximately one-third reporting a duration of 1-2 years.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In total, 707 social media users from Greece (n = 376) and the UK (n = 331) participated.

“In total, 707 social media users from Greece (n = 376) and the UK (n = 331) participated (Table 1).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The majority of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44, had relatively high levels of education, and the gender composition was similar across nations.

“The majority of respondents were between the ages of 25 and 44, had relatively high levels of education (Bachelor's degree or above), and the gender composition was similar across nations.”

May combine two claims.

PGR affects intention via TRUST in all samples, with effects diminishing as PGE rises.

“Conditional-indirect analyses indicate that PGR affects intention via TRUST in all samples, with effects diminishing as PGE rises”

May combine two claims.

In the UK, TRUST had a stronger effect on INTENT (β = 0.314, SE = 0.049, t = 6.39, p < 0.001), supporting H4.

“TRUST had a stronger effect on INTENT (β = 0.314, SE = 0.049, t = 6.39,p < 0.001), which supports H4.”

May combine two claims.

In Greece, the indirect effect from PGR to TRUST to INTENT was significant, β = 0.038, SE = 0.021, t = 1.82, p = 0.035; H5c was supported.

“The indirect effect from PGR to TRUST to INTENT was significant, with β = 0.038, SE = 0.021, t = 1.82, and p = 0.035 (H5c supported).”

May combine two claims.

In the overall sample, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect effect was significant and positive, β = 0.078, SE = 0.014, t = 5.43, p < 0.001; H5c was supported.

“On the other hand, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect effect was significant and positive, β = 0.078, SE = 0.014, t = 5.43, p < 0.001 (H5c supported).”

May combine two claims.

In the UK, PSR → TRUST → INTENT is negative at all PGE levels (CIs exclude 0) and gradually becomes less negative as PGE increases.

“In the UK, PSR → TRUST → INTENT is negative at all PGE levels (CIs exclude 0) and gradually becomes less negative as PGE increases.”

May combine two claims.

AUTH → INTENT and PSR → INTENT are both positive and significant across the pooled sample and within each country, with AUTH generally being the stronger predictor.

“AUTH → INTENT and PSR → INTENT are both positive and significant across the pooled sample and within each country, with AUTH generally being the stronger predictor (H1-H2).”

May combine two claims.

In the United Kingdom, the indirect effect from PGR to TRUST to INTENT was important and positive, β = 0.122, SE = 0.022, t = 5.51, p < 0.001; H5c was supported.

“The indirect effect from PGR to TRUST to INTENT was important and positive, with a value of β = 0.122, SE = 0.022, t = 5.51, and p < 0.001 (H5c supported).”

May combine two claims.

In the UK, AUTH (β = 0.295, SE = 0.050, t = 5.93, p < 0.001) and PSR (β = 0.162, SE = 0.048, t = 3.36, p < 0.001) predicted INTENT, supporting H1-H2.

“AUTH (β = 0.295, SE = 0.050, t = 5.93, p < 0.001) and PSR (β = 0.162, SE = 0.048, t = 3.36, p < 0.001) again predicted INTENT in the UK (H1-H2 supported).”

May combine two claims.

In the United Kingdom, the indirect effect of AUTH → TRUST → INTENT was not significant, β = -0.001, SE = 0.022, t = 0.04, p = 0.486; H5a was not supported.

“In the United Kingdom, the indirect effect of AUTH → TRUST → INTENT was not significant, with β = -0.001,SE = 0.022, t = 0.04, and p = 0.486 (H5a not supported).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Both samples were frequently exposed to influencer content about sustainability.

“Both samples were frequently exposed to influencer content about sustainability.”

May combine two claims.

The addition of the PGE × TRUST interaction enhanced the explained variance in INTENT across all samples: overall R2 rose from 0.398 to 0.532 (ΔR2 = 0.134), in Greece from 0.403 to 0.467 (ΔR2 = 0.064), and in the UK from 0.432 to 0.629 (ΔR2 = 0.197).

“The addition of the interaction term (PGE × TRUST) enhanced the explained variance in INTENT across all samples: the overall model R 2 rose from 0.398 to 0.532 (ΔR 2 = 0.134), in Greece from 0.403 to 0.467 (ΔR 2 = 0.064), and in the United Kingdom from 0.432 to 0.629 (ΔR 2 = 0.197), signifying significant incremental predictive power.”

May combine two claims.

In Greece, neither AUTH → TRUST → INTENT (β = 0.006, SE = 0.007, t = 0.87, p = 0.193) nor PSR → TRUST → INTENT (β = -0.002, SE = 0.007, t = 0.28, p = 0.390) achieved statistical significance; H5a and H5b were not supported.

“In Greece, neither AUTH → TRUST → INTENT (β = 0.006, SE = 0.007, t = 0.87, p = 0.193) nor PSR → TRUST → INTENT (β = -0.002,SE = 0.007, t = 0.28, p = 0.390) achieved statistical significance (H5a, H5b not supported).”

May combine two claims.

In the UK, PGR was not significant (β = -0.053, SE = 0.039, t = 1.36, p = 0.088), not supporting H3.

“PGR was not significant (β = -0.053,SE = 0.039, t = 1.36, p = 0.088), thus not supporting H3.”

May combine two claims.

In the overall sample, the PSR → TRUST → INTENT pathway was not significant, β = -0.015, SE = 0.010, t = 1.60, p = 0.055; H5b was not supported.

“The PSR → TRUST → INTENT pathway was not significant, β = -0.015,SE = 0.010, t = 1.60, p = 0.055 (H5b not supported).”

May combine two claims.

In Greece, AUTH (β = 0.373, SE = 0.049, t = 7.57, p < 0.001) and PSR (β = 0.163, SE = 0.056, t = 2.93, p = 0.002) predicted INTENT, supporting H1-H2.

“In Greece, AUTH (β = 0.373, SE = 0.049, t = 7.57, p < 0.001) and PSR (β = 0.163, SE = 0.056, t = 2.93, p = 0.002) were able to predict INTENT (H1-H2 supported).”

May combine two claims.

The indirect path from PSR to TRUST to INTENT was stronger in Greece (Δβ = +0.046, p = 0.019); the difference from PSR to TRUST was small (Δβ = +0.131, p = 0.056).

“On the contrary, the indirect path from PSR to TRUST to INTENT was stronger in Greece (Δβ = +0.046,p = 0.019); the difference from PSR to TRUST was small (Δβ = +0.131,p = 0.056).”

May combine two claims.

Perceived greenwashing risk demonstrated a minor negative impact on INTENT, β = -0.049, SE = 0.029, t = 1.68, p = 0.046; H3 garnered limited support in the overall data.

“Perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) demonstrated a minor negative impact on INTENT, β = -0.049,SE = 0.029, t = 1.68, p = 0.046; consequently, H3 garnered limited support in the overall data.”

May combine two claims.

The moderation was negative and statistically significant in each sample: overall β = -0.130, SE = 0.024, t = 5.36, p < 0.001; Greece β = -0.098, SE = 0.047, t = 2.10, p = 0.018; UK β = -0.118, SE = 0.031, t = 3.85, p < 0.001.

“In line with H6, the moderation was negative and statistically significant in each sample, indicating that higher PGE diminishes the positive correlation between TRUST and INTENT (Overall: β = -0.130,SE = 0.024, t = 5.36, p < 0.001; Greece: β = -0.098,SE = 0.047, t = 2.10, p = 0.018; UK: β = -0.118,SE = 0.031, t = 3.85, p < 0.001).”

May combine two claims.

Although AUTH has a strong direct effect on INTENT, the AUTH → TRUST → INTENT path is not significant.

“Although AUTH has a strong direct effect on INTENT, the AUTH → TRUST → INTENT path is not significant.”

May combine two claims.

In the overall sample, the indirect effect of AUTH → TRUST → INTENT was not significant, β = 0.007, SE = 0.009, t = 0.75, p = 0.225; H5a was not supported.

“In the overall sample, the indirect effect of AUTH → TRUST → INTENT was not significant, with β = 0.007, SE = 0.009, t = 0.75, and p = 0.225 (H5a not supported).”

May combine two claims.

In Greece, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect was significant at low and mean PGE but not at high PGE: low b = 0.077, CI (0.027, 0.135), p = 0.009; mean b = 0.045, CI (0.013, 0.085), p = 0.019; high b = 0.013, CI (-0.022, 0.055), p = 0.282.

“In Greece, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect was significant at low and mean PGE but not at high PGE.This shows that the effect gets weaker as PGE increases [low: b = 0.077, CI (0.027, 0.135), p = 0.009; mean: b = 0.045, CI (0.013, 0.085), p = 0.019; high: b = 0.013, CI (-0.022, 0.055), p = 0.282].”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Respondents' familiarity with eco-labels ranged from moderate to high, and the majority had previously bought a product based on an influencer's recommendation.

“Overall, respondents' familiarity with eco-labels ranged from moderate to high, and the majority had previously bought a product based on an influencer's recommendation.”

May combine two claims.

Multi-group tests revealed that PGE → INTENT and TRUST → INTENT were significantly weaker in Greece compared to the UK (Δβ = -0.199, p = 0.001; Δβ = -0.219, p = 0.001).

“Multi-group tests revealed that PGE → INTENT and TRUST → INTENT were significantly weaker in Greece compared to the UK (Δβ = -0.199,p = 0.001; Δβ = -0.219,p = 0.001).”

May combine two claims.

As PGE goes up, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect effect goes down; in Greece it goes from 0.077 to a nonsignificant 0.013, and in the UK it goes from 0.175 to 0.091 (all significant).

“As PGE goes up, the PGR → TRUST → INTENT indirect effect goes down (downward line).In Greece, it goes from 0.077 to a nonsignificant 0.013, and in the UK, it goes from 0.175 to 0.091 (all significant).”

May combine two claims.

Subsample analyses indicated similar explanatory power for Greece (R2: TRUST = 0.163; INTENT = 0.467) and greater variance explained for the UK (R2: TRUST = 0.169; INTENT = 0.629).

“Subsample analyses indicated similar explanatory power for Greece (R 2 : TRUST = 0.163; INTENT = 0.467) and a greater variance explained for the UK (R 2 : TRUST = 0.169; INTENT = 0.629).”

The quote only partly states this claim.

In the United Kingdom, the indirect effect of parasocial relationship (PSR) on sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) through green trust (TRUST) is negative and significant at low (-1 SD: β = -0.074, 95% CI [-0.124, -0.025], p = 0.006), mean (β = -0.057, 95% CI [-0.101, -0.020], p = 0.010), and high (+1 SD: β = -0.039, 95% CI [-0.085, -0.012], p = 0.033) levels of prior greenwashing exposure (P.

“| United Kingdom | PSR | -1 SD | -0.074 | [-0.124, -0.025] | 0.006 |”

May combine two claims.

The conditional indirects work the same way: PGR → TRUST → INTENT is most powerful at low PGE and weakest at higher PGE (still significant overall and in the United Kingdom, but not in Greece).

“The conditional indirects work the same way: PGR → TRUST → INTENT is most powerful low PGE and weakest at higher PGE (still significant overall and in the United Kingdom, but not in Greece).”

May combine two claims.

TRUST has a more significant connection to INTENT in the UK than in Greece, and PGE has a stronger relationship to INTENT in the UK.

“First, TRUST has a more significant connection to INTENT in the UK than in Greece, and PGE has a stronger relationship to INTENT in the UK.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

Perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) positively indirectly affects sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) through green trust (TRUST) in the United Kingdom (β = 0.122, p < 0.001).

“| H5c | PGR → TRUST → INTENT | 0.078 | 0.014 | 5.429 | 0.000 | 0.038 | 0.021 | 1.816 | 0.035 | 0.122 | 0.022 | 5.511 | 0.000 |”

May combine two claims.

Adding the PGE × TRUST interaction significantly raises the explained variance in INTENT (ΔR2 = 0.134 overall; 0.064 Greece; 0.197 United Kingdom), and the interaction is negative in both countries.

“Adding the PGE × TRUST interaction significantly raises the explained variance in INTENT (ΔR 2 = 0.134 overall; 0.064 Greece; 0.197 United Kingdom), and the interaction is negative in both countries.”

May combine two claims.

Adding the PGE × TRUST interaction increases the explained variance (R2) of sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) by 0.134 in the overall sample, 0.064 in Greece, and 0.197 in the United Kingdom.

“| Δ 2 R | | 0.064 | 0.197 | 0.134 |”

The quote only partly states this claim.

In the United Kingdom, the indirect effect of perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) on sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) through green trust (TRUST) is positive and significant at low (-1 SD: β = 0.175, 95% CI [0.131, 0.225], p < 0.001), mean (β = 0.133, 95% CI [0.096, 0.178], p < 0.001), and high (+1 SD: β = 0.091, 95% CI [0.047, 0.144], p = 0.001) levels of prior greenwashing exposure (PGE).

“| United Kingdom | PGR | -1 SD | 0.175 | [0.131, 0.225] | < 0.001 |”

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

In the overall sample, the indirect effect of perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) on sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) through green trust (TRUST) is positive and significant at low (-1 SD: β = 0.135, 95% CI [0.102, 0.169], p < 0.001), mean (β = 0.089, 95% CI [0.064, 0.117], p < 0.001), and high (+1 SD: β = 0.043, 95% CI [0.013, 0.075], p = 0.012) levels of prior greenwashing exposure (PGE).

“| Overall | PGR | -1 SD | 0.135 | [0.102, 0.169] | < 0.001 |”

May combine two claims.

The mediated PGR → TRUST → INTENT path is less potent in Greece, while the PSR-based mediation is stronger there.

“Second, the mediated PGR → TRUST → INTENT path is less potent in Greece, while the PSR-based mediation is stronger there.”

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

In Greece, the indirect effect of perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) on sustainable purchase intention (INTENT) through green trust (TRUST) is significant at low (-1 SD: β = 0.077, 95% CI [0.027, 0.135], p = 0.009) and mean (β = 0.045, 95% CI [0.013, 0.085], p = 0.019) levels of prior greenwashing exposure (PGE), but not at high (+1 SD: β = 0.013, 95% CI [-0.022, 0.055], p = 0.282).

“| Greece | PGR | -1 SD | 0.077 | [0.027, 0.135] | 0.009 |”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Data were anonymized/pseudonymized, stored on encrypted drives, and processed under GDPR principles.

“Data were anonymized/pseudonymized, stored on encrypted drives, and processed under GDPR principles (lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The target sample size was N ≈ 600 (≈300 per country), set to exceed ≈10:1 observations-to-parameter ratios for SEM, enable multi-group comparisons, and achieve 0.80-0.90 power for small-to-moderate structural effects, latent interactions, and conditional indirect effects.

“The target was N ≈ 600 (≈300 per country), set to exceed ≈10:1 observations-to-parameter ratios for SEM, enable multi-group comparisons, and achieve 0.80-0.90power for small-to-moderate structural effects, latent interactions (PGE × AUTH; PGE × PSR → TRUST), and conditional indirect effects.”

May combine two claims.

AUTH and PSR provide evidentiary and relational routes to claim credibility, respectively.

“Drawing on signaling/attribution accounts (value-claim congruence) and parasocial interaction/trust-transfer logic (relational closeness), AUTH and PSR provide evidentiary and relational routes to claim credibility, respectively.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Few studies pit AUTH and PSR in the same model to adjudicate their relative influence on TRUST; person-level deception histories are rarely incorporated as moderators of trust formation; and cross-national measurement/structural invariance is seldom tested.

“This design addresses three gaps: (i) few studies pit AUTH and PSR in the same model to adjudicate their relative influence on TRUST; (ii) person-level deception histories are rarely incorporated as moderators of trust formation; and (iii) cross-national measurement/structural invariance is seldom tested.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were assessed before structural analyses.

“reliability (Cronbach's α, composite reliability), convergent validity (AVE), and discriminant validity (HTMT) were assessed before structural analyses.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In the main study, internal consistency (α, composite reliability), convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.50), and discriminant validity (HTMT) were assessed; lowloading reflective items were retained only if construct reliability and AVE remained adequate.

“In the main study, internal consistency (α, composite reliability), convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.50), and discriminant validity (HTMT) were assessed; lowloading reflective items were retained only if construct reliability and AVE remained adequate.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Pre-registered exclusions removed speeders, inattentive responders (failed instructed-response item), straightliners, suspected duplicates/bots (IP/device, country mismatch), and anchor failures (unable to describe the post or time window violations).

“Pre-registered exclusions removed speeders, inattentive responders (failed instructed-response item), straightliners, suspected duplicates/bots (IP/device, country mismatch), and anchor failures (unable to describe the post or time window violations).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The survey-only plan delivers ecological validity of recalled exposures, sufficient power for moderated mediation, cross-national comparability, and adherence to contemporary standards of measurement quality and research ethics.

“Overall, the survey-only plan delivers ecological validity of recalled exposures, sufficient power for moderated mediation, cross-national comparability, and adherence to contemporary standards of measurement quality and research ethics.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

For single-country analyses, N ≥ 400 was maintained to stabilize bootstrap intervals for moderated mediation.

“For single-country analyses, N ≥ 400 was maintained to stabilize bootstrap intervals for moderated mediation (Janadari et al., 2016;Kock and Hadaya, 2018;Wagner and Grimm, 2023).”

• cites Janadari et al., 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Kock and Hadaya, 2018 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Wagner and Grimm, 2023 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

A pilot (n ≈ 60-80 per country) confirmed variance in AUTH/PSR, clarity of instructions, and item comprehension; minor wording refinements followed cognitive interviews.

“A pilot (n ≈ 60-80 per country) confirmed variance in AUTH/PSR, clarity of instructions, and item comprehension; minor wording refinements followed cognitive interviews.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The measurement scales were forward-back translated and reconciled with the committee and conceptual equivalence cognitive interviews.

“They were forward-back translated and reconciled with the committee and conceptual equivalence cognitive interviews; reliability (Cronbach's α, composite reliability), convergent validity (AVE), and discriminant validity (HTMT) were assessed before structural analyses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

To mitigate common-method bias, item blocks were separated by brief fillers, items were randomized within blocks, and a short marker scale (social desirability) was included for sensitivity analyses.

“To mitigate common-method bias, item blocks were separated by brief fillers, items were randomized within blocks, and a short marker scale (social desirability) was included for sensitivity analyses.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

All focal constructs were assessed using multi-item, 5-point Likert-type scales tailored to the influencer/sustainability context and anchored to the respondent's most recent experience.

“All focal constructs were assessed using multi-item, 5-point Likerttype scales (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) tailored to the influencer/sustainability context and anchored to the respondent's most recent experience (Supplementary Table S1).”

May combine two claims.

Overall, trust is a stronger predictor of intention in the UK, while PSR-based trust transmission is stronger in Greece.

“In overall, trust is a stronger predictor of intention in the UK, while PSR-based trust transmission is stronger in Greece (Table 9).”

May combine two claims.

Convergent validity was confirmed because average variance extracted surpassed 0.50; where AVE was marginally below 0.50, composite reliability greater than 0.60 satisfied the Fornell-Larcker acceptability criterion.

“Convergent validity was confirmed whereas the average variance extracted (AVE) surpassed 0.50, in certain cases where AVE was marginally below 0.50, a composite reliability (CR) greater than 0.60 satisfied, the Fornell-Larcker acceptability criterion (Fornell and Larcker, 1981).”

• cites Fornell and Larcker, 1981 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

This attenuation is most consistent for PGR in both countries; in the UK, PSR also has a small negative mediated effect that gets weaker (but stays the same) as PGE rises.

“This attenuation is most consistent for PGR in both countries; in the UK, PSR also has a small negative mediated effect that gets weaker (but stays the same) as PGE rises.”

May combine two claims.

Conditional indirect effects show that while PSR has a minor negative mediated component in the UK, post-level perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) functions via TRUST.

“Additionally, conditional indirect effects show that while PSR has a minor negative mediated component in the UK, which is consistent with persuasion-knowledge activation, over-familiarity, and expectation-violation dynamics in disclosure-salient contexts, post-level perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) functions via TRUST.”

May combine two claims.

Configural and compositional invariance were validated, facilitating meaningful multi-group comparisons of structural relationships.

“Configural and compositional invariance were validated, facilitating meaningful multi-group comparisons of structural relationships.”

May combine two claims.

PGE moderates the TRUST → INTENT path, therefore any TRUST-mediated paths to INTENT are conditional on PGE.

“PGE moderates the TRUST → INTENT path, therefore any TRUST-mediated paths to INTENT are conditional on PGE.”

May combine two claims.

In the authors' specification, TRUST is explained primarily by post-level claim diagnostics (PGR), with learned skepticism (PGE) further shaping how trust translates into intention, which may leave limited incremental variance for AUTH to explain within the trust equation.

“In our specification, TRUST is explained primarily by post-level claim diagnostics (PGR), with learned skepticism (PGE) further shaping how trust translates into intention, which may leave limited incremental variance for AUTH to explain within the trust equation.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

When closeness is high, audiences may expect the influencer to be more consistent and open, so any ambiguity in green claims or disclosure cues is seen as a violation of those expectations, which lowers TRUST even though affinity remains the same.

“When closeness is high, audiences may expect the influencer to be more consistent and open, so any ambiguity in green claims or disclosure cues is seen as a violation of those expectations, which lowers TRUST even though affinity remains the same.”

May combine two claims.

AUTH and PSR are both direct, positive predictors of INTENT, TRUST adds incremental explanatory power, and learned skepticism (PGE) consistently reduces the payoff of TRUST at the decision stage.

“We find a consistent pattern across two national contexts (Greece, UK) using variance-based SEM with nonparametric bootstrapping (Hair et al., 2011) and bias-corrected (BCa) procedures for indirect effects: AUTH and PSR are both direct, positive predictors of sustainable purchase intention (INTENT), TRUST adds incremental explanatory power, and learned skepticism (PGE) consistently reduces the pay”

• cites Hair et al., 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Self-reported sustainable purchase intention is a valid proxy for actual sustainable purchase behavior.

May combine two claims.

The positive indirect effect indicates that lower perceived greenwashing risk increases TRUST, which in turn increases INTENT.

“Accordingly, the positive indirect effect indicates that lower perceived greenwashing risk increases TRUST, which in turn increases INTENT.”

May combine two claims.

These findings suggest late-stage moderated mediation: mediated effects conveyed through TRUST are most pronounced when audiences indicate reduced prior greenwashing exposure and diminish as PGE increases.

“In conjunction with the previously reported significant PGE × TRUST interaction, these findings suggest late-stage moderated mediation: mediated effects conveyed through TRUST are most pronounced when audiences indicate reduced prior greenwashing exposure and diminish as PGE increases.”

May combine two claims.

Overall, the measures demonstrate strong internal consistency and construct validity.

“Overall, the measures demonstrate strong internal consistency and construct validity.”

May combine two claims.

In general, the mediated effects of TRUST are strongest for low-PGE audiences yet become weaker when they have experienced greenwashing before.

“In general, the mediated effects of TRUST are strongest for low-PGE audiences yet become weaker when they have experienced greenwashing before (Table 8).”

May combine two claims.

Overall, mediation via TRUST was consistently observed for PGR (H5c) in all samples, absent for AUTH (H5a), and sample-contingent for PSR (H5b; significant and negative in the UK only).

“Overall, mediation via TRUST was consistently observed for PGR (H5c) in all samples, absent for AUTH (H5a), and sample-contingent for PSR (H5b; significant and negative in the UK only).”

May combine two claims.

The PSR result in the UK aligns with persuasion-knowledge theories: in a context where commercial intent and disclosure cues are more likely to be foregrounded, greater perceived closeness can amplify scrutiny and make trust more vulnerable to perceived ambiguity, while warmth directly reinforces intention.

“The PSR result in the UK aligns with persuasion-knowledge theories: in a context where commercial intent and disclosure cues are more likely to be foregrounded, greater perceived closeness can amplify scrutiny and make trust more vulnerable to perceived ambiguity, while warmth directly reinforces intention.”

May combine two claims.

Authenticity and parasocial connection are important for sustainable decision-making.

“In conclusion, authenticity and parasocial connection are important for sustainable decision-making”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Sustainable purchase intention translates into sustainable decision-making or behavior.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The dependent variable is intention rather than verified behavior.

“Second, the dependent variable is intention rather than verified behavior; external validity would be improved by incorporating behavioral telemetry (click-through, basket data) or incentive-compatible choice.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The design is cross-sectional and recall-anchored.

“First, the design is cross-sectional and recall-anchored; panel designs or field experiments that alter disclosure regimes or claim verifiability over time would corroborate causal claims.”

May combine two claims.

Larger mediated effects are anticipated at low prior greenwashing exposure (PGE) and smaller effects at high PGE, consistent with the negative PGE × TRUST interaction.

“under this framework, larger mediated effects are anticipated at low PGE and smaller effects at high PGE, consistent with the negative PGE × TRUST interaction.”

May combine two claims.

PGE does not aim to foster trust in the authors' specification; instead, it diminishes the benefits of trust at the final stage (H6).

“PGE-accumulated experience with misleading green claims-does not aim to foster trust in our specification; instead, it diminishes the benefits of trust at the final stage (H6).”

May combine two claims.

TRUST is a proximal hinge whose marginal impact depends on PGE, while AUTH and PSR are parallel, partially independent routes to intention.

“The findings render it obvious that TRUST is a proximal hinge whose marginal impact depends on PGE, while AUTH and PSR are parallel, partially independent routes to intention.”

May combine two claims.

The mediated penalty is significant as it is exclusive to the UK, which may reflect heightened attention to disclosure and advertising-intent cues, resulting in a more sensitive trust calculus in the presence of high PSR.

“This mediated penalty is significant as it is exclusive to the UK, which may reflect heightened attention to disclosure and advertising-intent cues, resulting in a more sensitive trust calculus in the presence of high PSR.”

May combine two claims.

PSR still has a positive direct effect on INTENT, meaning two opposite mechanisms are at work: warmth and familiarity assist individuals in arriving at choices directly, and a trust-channel penalty works against it when people are skeptical.

“The fact that PSR still has a positive direct effect on INTENT means that there are two opposite mechanisms at work: warmth and familiarity, which assist individuals in arriving at choices directly, and a trust-channel penalty, which works against it when people are skeptical.”

May combine two claims.

UK audiences depend more on claim-quality signals and penalize PSR through the trust channel under skepticism, whereas Greek audiences attribute greater significance to relational cues in establishing trust once measurement equivalence is guaranteed.

“One interpretation posits that UK audiences depend more on claimquality signals and penalize PSR through the trust channel under skepticism, whereas Greek audiences attribute greater significance to relational cues in establishing trust once measurement equivalence is guaranteed.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Once configural and compositional invariance are confirmed, cross-national contrasts can be effectively analyzed.

“Once configural and compositional invariance are confirmed, cross-national contrasts can be effectively analyzed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The architecture generalizes across Greece.

“The architecture generalizes across Greece”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The Greek sample is representative of the Greek population.

May combine two claims.

Post-level risk assessments (PGR) positively influence trust and intention.

“post-level risk assessments (PGR) positively influence trust and intention.”