Trust in Technology: An Empirical Examination of the Construct

In this study, we examine trust in the technology itself. We introduce and distinguish between trusting beliefs, trust in a technology vendor, and willingness to depend on a technology. Empirically, we integrate these constructs into existing innovation diffusion research and examine these constructs’ relationship with the ease of use (EOU), perceived usefulness (PU) and intention to explore technology. Our analysis suggests that (1) trusting belief in technology have a direct effect on EOU and PU, (2) trusting belief in a vendor influenced willingness to depend on a technology and (3) willingness to depend on a technology has a direct effect on PU and a mediated effect on intention to explore. Implications for research and practice are offered