Perceived Risk and Fashion on the Intention to Adopt Wireless Earbuds in the United States Using a Partial Least...

Area of Science:

• Consumer Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Wearable Technology Adoption

Background:

• Smart wearable device research is growing, but personal safety and fashion aspects remain under-explored.
• Debates exist regarding the health risks and fashionability of wearable devices, influencing user perceptions.
• Understanding user perceptions is crucial for the adoption of new wearable technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how perceptions of risk (health and privacy) and fashion influence the intention to purchase and use wireless earbuds.
• To examine the relationship between purchase intention and usage intention for wireless earbuds.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 205 participants to assess perceptions of health/privacy risks, fashionability, and comfort.
• Data were collected using a 7-point Likert scale, adapted from prior research.
• Partial Least Squares (PLS) method with Smart-PLS software was employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Perceived health risk (P=.015), fashionability (P<.001), and comfort (P=.007) significantly predicted purchase intention.
• Privacy risk did not significantly impact purchase intention.
• Purchase intention significantly predicted usage intention (P<.001).

Conclusions:

• Technology acceptance models require updates to encompass evolving consumer perceptions of emerging technologies.
• Fashionability and comfort are key drivers for wireless earbud adoption, alongside health considerations.
• Future research should consider these factors to better understand consumer behavior towards new tech.