Social perception of mobile network development in Poland: The role of trust, benefits and risks

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the intricate relationships between general trust in technology, perceived benefits, perceived threats, and future intentions to use wireless technology. The study employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse data collected from a representative sample of 1010 Polish respondents. The methodology is rooted in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), incorporating modifications to accommodate the specifics of wireless technology acceptance. The results affirm significant positive relationships between general trust in technology and perceived benefits, as well as a negative association between general trust and perceived threats. Interestingly, while perceived threats were expected to negatively impact future usage intentions, this study finds that the positive perceptions of benefits substantially outweigh the concerns related to threats, leading to a strong intention to use future technologies. This study extends the TAM by incorporating trust and perceived threats into the model, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive technology acceptance, particularly in the context of next-generation wireless networks. This highlights the pivotal role of trust in moderating the perceived risks associated with new technologies. Demonstrating the importance of enhancing public trust and accurately communicating the benefits of new technologies, this research suggests strategies that could mitigate public apprehension and enhance the adoption rates of new technological systems.