Understanding the adoption of digital conferencing tools: Unpacking the impact of privacy concerns and incident response efficacy

Since working from home has become a new norm for many individuals worldwide, digital-conferencing tools have increased in popularity. To date, few studies have investigated how the adoption of digital-conferencing tools relates to user information privacy concerns against security incidents and coping appraisal. This paper utilizes an integrated IUIPC and Privacy Calculus model to explore the impact of privacy concerns, incident response efficacy, trust, and risk involved in digital conferencing adoption. To test the proposed model, we administer a survey to 212 participants and find that perceived benefits, trusting beliefs, and personal Internet interest increase intention to use digital conferencing software while risk beliefs decrease behavioral intentions. In addition, we find incident response efficacy to be a salient construct in explaining users’ trusting beliefs. The study provides recommendations for digital conferencing service providers on how to improve consumer adoption through strengthened security practices and incident response strategies.