Bridging the Digital Divide: Childhood Social Relationships and Mobile Payment Use Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

This research accordingly examines the effect of childhood social relationships on the use of mobile payment and e-money among Chinese middle-aged and older adults from a life course perspective and tests the mediation role of social activities in such a path with the Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) method. The findings support that good childhood community relationships, peer relationships, and close relationships positively affect mobile payment and electronic money use when people enter middle and old age. These effects are significantly mediated by social activities in later life. The findings make marginal contributions to life course theory (LCT), with practical implications for individuals, commercial enterprises, governments, and societies in their efforts to facilitate a society that promotes the digital inclusion of middle-aged and older adults.

Toward the digital economy: Mobile payment affecting sustainable consumption behavior

“…The positive effect of perceived ease of use on behavior is the extension of the TAM. The mediating effect of behavioral intention is more significant in the survey of college students (Hu et al, 2022). There needs to be more discussion among university students.…”

“…Concerning college students' mobile payment willingness, perceived usefulness can positively affect college students' consumption behavior, among which only mobile payment behavior intentions are more likely to occur (Hu et al, 2022). TAM provides strong evidence in the education industry, and college students are more likely to promote the intention to use when they perceive the ease of use of online education technology to continue to use it.…”