How the introduction of the COVID-19 tracing apps affects future tracking technology adoption

Matt, C.; Teebken, M.; Özcan, B. (2022). How the introduction of the COVID-19 tracing apps affects future tracking technology adoption. Digital Transformation and Society, 1(1), pp. 95-114. Emerald Publishing 10.1108/DTS-05-2022-0015

Preview

Text Matt_et_al__2022_-How_the_introduction_of_the_COVID-19_tracing_apps_affects_future_tracking_technology_adaptation.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution (CC-BY). Download (1MB) | Preview

Purpose
Studies on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tracing apps have mostly focused on how to optimize adoption and continuous use, but did not consider potential long-term effects of their introduction. This study aims to analyse whether the characteristics of the recent introduction of tracing apps may negatively impact individuals' attitudes and intentions to adopt future tracking technology.

Design/methodology/approach
In an online experiment across three countries (Australia, Germany, UK), the authors measured how perceived benefits of COVID-19 tracing apps as well as specific government and campaign-related factors affect privacy concerns, attitude towards future tracking apps and intention to adopt. The authors manipulated the type of provider (governmental vs private) and the type of beneficiaries of the future tracking technology app (the individual alone or also the public) as determinants of adoption.

Findings
The authors find that privacy concerns towards the COVID-19 tracing apps negatively impact attitude and intention to adopt future tracking apps. Future adoption is more likely if the app is provided by the government, whereas additional benefits to the public do not positively stimulate adoption. Second, the study analyzed different factors, including perceptions on governments and the app introduction, as well as perceived benefits.

Originality/value
Taking the introduction of COVID-19 apps in different countries as a basis, the authors link both perceived benefits and contextual factors to privacy concerns, attitudes towards and intention to adopt the related technology in the future. The authors hereby clarify the responsibility of governmental actors who conduct large-scale technology introductions for the future diffusion of related technologies.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

88 since deposited on 04 Aug 2022
39 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item