Tech-Driven Dining Dilemma: Impact of Food Delivery Applications on Habitual Impulse Ordering and Food Waste

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Abstract
The research examines the effects of the indicated appealing features of Food Delivery Applications (FDAs) on consumer attitudes and habitual engagement, thereby leading to unintended food waste. The study surveyed 412 common users of the FDA in Malaysia via Google Forms, and the analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Path Modeling. The results indicate a strong relationship between the appealing characteristics of FDA, such as qualities, visuals, the reviews and comments made by customers, and the number of choices available, which will result in an inclination to make hasty orders that may lead to food wastage. The pleasant qualities of the apps may reinforce habit formation and impulsivity, leading to overorders and, eventually, food waste. Furthermore, the findings provide information for relevant stakeholders, including academicians, policymakers, the food industry, and providers of FDA services. The study highlights the need for the FDA to include features that encourage sustainable consumption patterns and reduce food waste in Malaysia, where food waste has been increasing. Also, policymakers and industry players may collaborate to develop strategies to minimize food waste and promote responsible consumption.

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