Is the Usage of Wearable Devices Worth it? A Study of Perceived Risks and Fashion on Intention of Adopting Wearable Technology

Wearable technology became popular not only in the consumer market, but also in the field of academic research. Studies related to smart wearables have increased dramatically during recent years. However, personal safety perspectives of wearable devices have not been adequately addressed in the literature so far. There have been debates regarding the potential health risk of using wireless technology and batteries from wearable devices. Regardless of the actual health risks from wearable devices, these controversial debates could affect and form users’ perceptions toward purchasing and using the technology. The uniqueness of wearable devices is that they are not only considered as technical devices, but also considered as fashion items. By adding perceived risk and fashnology (combination of fashion and technology) constructs to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), this study examines how perceived risks and fashion-related perceptions influence a consumer’s intention to purchase and use wireless earbuds. Based on survey data from a sample group of 205 respondents, Perceived Health Risk, Perceived Fashionability, and wearable comfort have a significant impact on a consumer’s intention to purchase wireless earbuds. These results fill in the gap of wearable technology literature and provide a reason why Perceived Health Risk should be studied more for future research. In addition, practitioners should make sure they produce wearable devices that are safe, fashionable, and comfortable to wear.