Model of Emerging Technology Adoption (META): Virtual Reality as a Case Study

Abstract

Although technology acceptance and adoption have been intensively investigated using well-established theories called the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), this paper claims that Emerging Technology (ET) has particular characteristics that differentiate it from the adoption of traditional technology that has been used for a long time. Therefore, it argues that TAM and IDT are not sufficient to investigate the adoption of ET. Investigating the adoption of ET requires additional, unique, non-traditional factors (constructs). Therefore, this paper aims first to conceptually develop a model of ETs adoption (META). To achieve this objective, TAM and IDT will be reviewed. Then, this paper will use the characteristics of ET as the basis for developing the factors that influence the adoption of ET. Secondly, to validate the model, a case study of an ET (i.e. Virtual Reality) will be analysed in-depth to reveal the factors that influence on its adoption by applying META. A discussion of META applications and implications for future research are also provided.