Acceptance of technological implants for non-medical purposes in digital natives: results from PLS-SEM and necessary condition analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17561/ree.n2.2025.8759Keywords:
implantable tech, cyborg technology, man-computer interaction, body-hacking, technology acceptance model, PLS-SEM, necessary condition analysisAbstract
This study examines the factors influencing the acceptance of technological implants (TIs) for non-medical purposes among digital natives. A model is proposed based on the framework of Davis’s Technology Acceptance Model, expanded with three exogenous variables: hedonic motivation, social influence, and perceived risk. Using a sample of 257 digital natives, partial least squares structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis were applied. The model demonstrates a good fit, with a coefficient of determination close to 70% and acceptable predictive power. All total effects on the intention to use are significant and positive, except those related to perceived risk. Hedonic motivation emerges as the most influential factor, followed by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norms. The necessary condition analysis reveals that the first three variables are necessary conditions for acceptance, with perceived ease of use showing the largest effect size in this status. This work contributes to the scarce literature on the acceptance of TIs, emphasizing the central role of hedonic motivation. The findings have important implications for the industry: the intention to use these devices barely exceeds a score of 3 out of 10. To enhance adoption, TIs must surpass critical thresholds in perceived usefulness, ease of use, and hedonic appeal. Additionally, a more favorable social perception could increase their acceptance, provided that the minimum requirements in the three key factors are met.
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