The Digital Metamorphosis: A Critical Analysis of E-Commerce Evolution, Strategic Models, and Global Socio-Economic Impact

This study investigates the structural transition from traditional mercantile models to a digital-first global economy. By synthesizing foundational theories with 2024–2026 market dynamics, the research examines the maturation of e-commerce from a transactional tool into a comprehensive socio-economic ecosystem. Key focus areas include the democratization of market access, the "leapfrogging" effect in emerging economies—specifically the Indian context—and the persistent challenges of digital trust and systemic security in an increasingly decentralized marketplace.