although the concept is often overlooked
or poorly conceptualized. Social risk stands out from other
dimensions, as it does not emanate directly from the product
but from the consumer’s relationships within his/her social
network. The product plays the role of an intermediary,
providing information about the consumer that is likely to
alter the way he/she is perceived. Previous research showed
that consumers’ purchases depend on the (functional or
symbolic) meaning associated with the product, which in turn
is determined by consumer goals and the context in which the
product is used