Prosumer

This article is about consumers who also produce. The term may also refer to prosumer equipment.

A prosumer is an individual who both consumes and produces. The term is a portmanteau of the words producer and consumer. Research has identified six types of prosumers: DIY prosumers, self-service prosumers, customizing prosumers, collaborative prosumers, monetised prosumers, and economic prosumers.[1]

The terms prosumer and prosumption were coined in 1980 by Alvin Toffler, an American futurist, and were widely used by many technology writers of the time. Technological breakthroughs and a rise in user participation blurs the line between production and consumption activities, with the consumer becoming a prosumer.

  1. ^ Lang, Bodo; Dolan, Rebecca; Kemper, Joya; Northey, Gavin (2020-01-01). "Prosumers in times of crisis: definition, archetypes and implications". Journal of Service Management. 32 (2): 176–189. doi:10.1108/JOSM-05-2020-0155. hdl:10092/104713. ISSN 1757-5818. S2CID 225379767.