With the development of deep connections between humans and Artificial Intelligence voice‐based assistants (VAs), human and machine relationships have transformed. For relationships to work it is essential for trust to be established. Although the capabilities of VAs offer retailers and consumers enhanced opportunities, building trust with machines is inherently challenging. In this paper, we propose integrating Human–Computer Interaction Theories and Para‐Social Relationship Theory to develop insight into how trust and attitudes toward VAs are established. By adopting a mixed‐method approach, first, we quantitatively examine the proposed model using Covariance‐Based Structural Equation Modeling on 466 respondents; based on the findings of this study, a second qualitative study is employed to reveal four main themes. Findings show that while functional elements drive users' attitude toward using VAs, the social attributes, being social presence and social cognition, are the unique antecedents for developing trust. Additionally, the research illustrates a peculiar dynamic between privacy and trust and it shows how users distinguish two different sources of trustworthiness in their interactions with VAs, identifying the brand producers as the data collector. Taken together, these results reinforce the idea that individuals interact with VAs treating them as social entities and employing human social rules, thus supporting the adoption of a para‐social perspective.

This paper provides an empirical perspective into the antecedents and outcomes of consumer attitudes towards retailers' mobile commerce (m-commerce) applications (apps). A longitudinal perspective was obtained from 474 consumers over a period of 12 months. The research examines the variables influencing consumer attitudes and behaviours during the initial adoption phase (1 month) of a retailer's m-commerce app compared to the usage phase (12 months) of the app. Previous research primarily outlines some of the determinants of mobile app adoption; moving beyond this, through a direct comparison with the same set of consumers at each phase of the research the results illustrate significant differences between the variables influencing consumer attitudes towards the m-commerce app at the initial adoption phase compared to the usage phase. Additionally, the results assert that, over time (following the usage phase), positive attitudes towards the app results in increased purchase frequency through the app, positive attitudes and loyalty towards the brand. The results further reveal the influence of smartphone screen size on consumer attitudes and behaviours.

Despite mobile device usage being at an all-time high, their utilisation for mobile shopping activities is inherently low. The study, first, identifies prominent areas of academic concern and examines areas requiring further insight. A theoretical model is developed to examine multi-faceted risk and trust effects on consumer adoption intention. Empirical results demonstrate several trust and risk perceptions as having varying effects on consumers' mshopping intention. Inclusion of age and gender reveals discrepancies among positive and negative influencers of intention. Results contribute to theoretical and practical understandings surrounding deterrents of intention and potential risk-reduction mechanisms for future considerations.

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is a Professor (Personal Chair) in the School of Management, Swansea University (UK). Williams has an academic and professional background in computer science with previous experience in both private and public sectors with firms including British Telecom, Standard Chartered, and Canon. His research interests are in two pillars of data science, being domains and analytics. Yogesh Dwivedi is a Professor in the School of Management, Swansea University (UK). His research interests are in the area of Information Systems (IS) including analysis of usage trends of IS theories and research approaches in areas such as e-commerce, egovernment, m-commerce, m-payments and m-government

Despite the enhanced shopping opportunities that mobile devices offer to consumers, there is a fine line between consumers enjoying the mobile shopping process and them regretting the time spent involved in it. Through the lens of Uses and Gratifications Theory (U>) and drawing on Flow Theory, this study aims to understand the effects of consumers' interactions with mobile shopping apps on their intention to reuse the app in the future, loyalty towards the brand and brand reputation. Study 1, through a questionnaire (n = 1024), provides insight into the positive and negative relationships between Utilitarian and Hedonic gratifications on intentions to reuse a retailer's mobile app, loyalty towards the b,rand and the brand's reputation. Through undertaking 24 in‐depth interviews, Study 2 provides deeper insight into these relationships to uncover the complex nature of the negative effects of escapism. Findings demonstrate that the addictive nature of retailers' shopping apps lead to regrettable escapism. The flow state of mind experienced during escapism, becoming engrossed and notions of time‐distortion, leave consumers with feelings of guilt and frustration due to the perceived wasted time spent on the retailer's app. Accordingly, this study advances theoretical understanding of escapism and its negative effects with ubiquitous, portable smartphones. The research provides implications for retailers and policy makers, while offering avenues for future research.

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Mobile activity is increasing in popularity with Smartphones and Tablets being used for a variety of daily online activities. However, the number of mobile users utilizing mobile devices for the purpose of shopping is relatively low and there has been limited theoretical research examining the acceptance behavior of consumers in the UK. This research aims to develop a theoretically grounded adoption model to examine UK consumers' mobile shopping acceptance behavior. Through consideration into findings from existing research, a theoretically grounded model is developed by extending UTAUT2 with perceived risk, trust, mobile affinity and innovativeness. This theoretical model can subsequently be empirically tested with data gathered from the UK.