Understanding cryptocurrency adoption among arab customers: the mediating role of digital technostress and the moderating impact of ethical concerns and government regulations

Abstract

This study investigates prospective Arab customers’ intentions to use cryptocurrencies. Using a quantitative approach, cross-sectional data from a purposive sample of 437 respondents were collected. The survey was distributed via 13 well-known social media platforms and Arab-focused social media groups. Direct, mediating, and moderating hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings confirmed that the association between Digital Techno-stress (DTS) and the Intention to Adopt Cryptocurrency (IACR) is moderated by Ethical Issues (EI). Nevertheless, the study found that government regulations (GR) had no moderating effect on Arab cryptocurrency investors. The findings emphasize the necessity of ethical frameworks to increase credibility in Arab cryptocurrency marketplaces by fostering user-centric trading platforms, lowering techno-stress, and fostering trust.