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

Abstract

PurposeStudies 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/approachIn 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.FindingsThe 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/valueTaking 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.

Factors associated with the use of the Indonesia COVID-19 mobile app: What needs to be improved for the future personal mobile health app?

“…The users scored higher on the usefulness aspect of the application in providing various useful information in efforts to prevent COVID-19 compared to non-application users. Several previous studies have also shown that perceived benefits are a significant factor related to the use of COVID-19 applications (Matt et al, 2022;Nurmansyah et al, 2022;Walrave et al, 2020).…”

“…Nevertheless, the efficacy of these applications is contingent upon their adoption by the community (Singh et al, 2020) However, a national survey stated that around 21% of respondents did not use the care-protect application (Badan Pusat Statistik Republik Indonesia, 2022). In the Indonesian context, various studies have been conducted regarding the factors associated with using the COVID-19 application but the majority only used theory to assess technology adoption (Andriani & Winarno, 2022;Ferary et al, 2022;Matt et al, 2022). However, the majority of studies employed theories that adopt a technological standpoint, such as the technology acceptance model (TAM), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and the information system success model (ISS).…”