Digital literacy, online security behaviors and E-payment intention

E-payment is a key component of e-commerce, facilitating improved user efficiency and fostering the intent to use e-commerce in the digital realm and the international integration arena. This study investigates the joint impact of digital literacy on two similar but fundamentally different activities which are security control behavior and e-payment continuance intention. This research contributes to the growing field of literature in two ways. First, the study examines Digital Literacy, which distinguishes three broad dimensions - Tech Familiarity, Policy understanding, Awareness of institutional surveillance, and its association with Security control Behaviors and E-payment continuance intention. Second, the study tests the mediator effect of Security control Behaviors on the relationship between Digital Literacy and E-payment Intention. The data were collected by using both offline and online survey methods across the national scope, employing a quota sampling approach to encompass a wide range of consumer demographics. Structural equation modeling with the sample of Vietnamese respondents was applied to test the influence of digital literacy on customers’ security control behavior and intention to use e-payments. The results endorse that 1) digital literacy has an important impact on online security behavior; 2) digital literacy bridges a strong direct association with e-payment continuance Intention and indirect through online security behavior. This study suggests several theoretical and practical implications from the findings, as well as limitations and future directions.