Towards understanding the adoption and social experience of digital wallet systems

Shiliang Tang, Ziming Wu, Xinyi Zhang, Gang Wang, Xiaojuan Ma, Haitao Zheng, Ben Y. Zhao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

For millions around the globe, digital wallets are replacing cash and credit cards. These services support user-to-user payments, and add a social component to transactions. However, there is little understanding of the key factors behind digital wallets' rapid growth in US (Venmo) and China (WeChat Pay). What are the factors that led to their success? How social relationships play a role in their adoption? We conduct a mixed methods study, using a comprehensive survey (N=879) and semi-structured interviews (N=41) to explore the interplay of the two roles of these digital wallets, i.e., a payment system and a social platform. Our analysis suggests that the network effect does benefit their adoption and retention, but through different mechanisms. In return, transaction activities performed in digital wallets help strengthen existing social ties. We also present design implications for future social payment services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 52nd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2019
EditorsTung X. Bui
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages5093-5102
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780998133126
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event52nd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2019 - Maui, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2019Jan 11 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Volume2019-January
ISSN (Print)1530-1605

Conference

Conference52nd Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMaui
Period1/8/191/11/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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