Triggers of food delivery app usage and their impact on spending behavior : the moderating role of budget management.

Food delivery apps have become integral to college students’ lifestyles, offering convenience but raising concerns about overspending. This study examines how usage triggers and budget management interact to influence spending behavior among students. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed, surveying 380 college students in Cebu City via an online questionnaire. The instrument measured three variables: usage triggers (7 items), budget management (4 items), and spending behavior (6 items) using a 5-point Likert scale. Reliability coefficients ranged from .7271 to .8411. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. Respondents agreed that discounts, promos, and fast delivery were the strongest triggers (M = 4.08), while budget management practices such as saving and limiting spending also scored high (M = 3.74). Spending behavior showed mixed responses, with agreement on overspending and cost-saving strategies (M = 3.57). Regression analysis revealed that usage triggers significantly predicted spending behavior (β = 0.8093, p < .001, R² = .482). Budget management also had a positive effect (β = 0.2940, p < .001), and together with triggers explained 54.5% of spending variance. Findings indicate that while students actively manage budgets, strong app-related triggers still lead to higher spending. Budgeting does not necessarily reduce expenditure but may facilitate planned purchases around promotions. Food delivery platforms should balance promotional strategies with financial control tools to support responsible spending without reducing engagement. Future research should explore other demographics and psychological factors behind impulse buying.