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Levon Ellen Blue, Congcong Xing, Phạm T.T.
No abstract is available for this record.
Esperanza Miyake
From collectors and vocalists to creators, this chapter centralises the human subjects involved in the virtual influencer industry. Identifying key ideological and ethical implications relating to the political economy of virtual influencers, the chapter investigates three areas of income-generation: a) (i)non-fungible tokens ([i]NFTs); b) brand partnerships; and c) additional content creation. The discussion problematises the patriarchal, heterosexualist, racist, and androcentric mechanisms which facilitate the circulation of virtual capital, which in turn reinforce dominant ideologies of identity. Here, the relationship between virtuality and the Other is explored through the proposed concepts of andro-sociality , hetero-reality/homo-virtuality , and White-virtuality/Other-reality , arguing that virtual influencers are part of an online political economy of gender, sexuality, and race, where virtuality is a technology – sometimes a weapon – for the commodification and further oppression of Others through the interplay of realities and economic exchange. Furthermore, and in the process of these discussions, the chapter also problematises issues surrounding inequality as relating to human labour, rights, and ownership, highlighting the need for more robust socio-legal and economic frameworks to safeguard humans against the potentially harmful consequences arising from the virtual influencer industry.
Yung Po Tsang, C.K.M. Lee, C.H. Wu, Yanlin Li
Contribution:This research explores the effectiveness of a proposed teaching strategy in blockchain education, finding that it enhances learning outcomes, cognitive well-being, and student engagement in tertiary education, ultimately resulting in a shallower learning curve for STEM knowledge.Background:In the context of Industry 4.0, blockchain technology has emerged as a key driver of transformation in data management and system automation across a range of industrial applications. Despite its significance, the intricate theories and concepts associated with blockchain often serve as a deterrent for novice learners, inhibiting their ability to appreciate the value of industrial blockchain. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop interactive teaching content that alleviates the steep learning curve.Intended Outcomes:The teaching strategy for the gamification in blockchain education is proposed, which positively influence students’ cognitive well-being in terms of knowledge retention, cognitive curiosity, and heightened enjoyment.Application Design:Based on the experimental learning theory, the gamification of blockchain education, namely “BlockTrainHK”, is implemented in the experimental learning cycle. Therefore, the gamified learning in experimental learning (GEL) strategy is proposed to examine the effectiveness of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation by two case studies.Findings:The results of the two-year study on the gamified blockchain education are encouraging: test groups using the GEL strategy were better in the cognitive well-being, and students’ cognitive well-being is positively proportional to the level of individual technical knowledge and skills.
Márk Recskó, Márta Aranyossy
Abstract Turbulent market conditions, well-publicized advantages, and potential individual, social, and environmental risks make blockchain-based cryptocurrencies a popular focus of the public and scientific communities. This paper contributes to the literature on the future of crypto markets by analyzing a promising cryptocurrency innovation from a customer-centric point of view; it explores the factors influencing user acceptance of a hypothetical social network-backed cryptocurrency in Central Europe. The research model adapts an internationally comparative framework and extends the well-established unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model with the concept of perceived risk and trust. We explore user attitudes with a survey on a large Hungarian sample and analyze the database with consistent partial least square structural equation modeling methodology. The results show that users would be primarily influenced by the expected usefulness of the new technology assuming it is easy to use. Furthermore, our analysis also highlights that while social influence does not seem to sway user opinions, consumers are susceptible to technological risks, and trust is an important determinant of their openness toward innovations in financial services. We contribute to the cryptocurrency literature with a future-centric technological focus and provide new evidence from an under-researched geographic region. The results also have practical implications for business decision-makers and policymakers.
Chen Chen
Purpose Given the rise of sport non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and sponsorships from cryptocurrency companies in the sport industry during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this paper aims to critically frame the partnerships between cryptocurrency and sport by exploring the reception of fan tokens amongst supporters of three English Premier League clubs: Manchester City, Everton and Crystal Palace. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the emerging critical scholarship on cryptocurrency and the political economy of professional football, this study uses digital ethnography in an attempt to understand the major themes emanating from the online forum discussions amongst fans in response to the issuance of fan tokens by the aforementioned three clubs, among other types of partnerships with crypto companies. Findings The supporters’ critical deliberations revolved around the contradictions of fan tokens (as a means for supposed “fan engagement” or for financial speculation) and the utility of cryptocurrency for the public. These reactions in turn showcase a larger tension underlying the financially unstable professional football industry: the contest between the owners and the fan bases over the exchange value (for profit) and use value (for community) of the clubs. Originality/value This paper is one of the first studies to adopt a critical framework to examine the emerging partnerships between sports and cryptocurrency companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides one of the first in-depth analyses of the critical receptions of sport NFTs amongst sport fans. While contributing to the literature on fan activism/protest in the context of the commercialization and commodification of sport, the paper also raises new questions on the responsible use of cryptocurrency/NFT in sport.
Ahmethan Turan, Mehmet ya, Ertan lmaz, M. Munir Syam AR
Objective: Cryptocurrency trading has become widespread in recent years with developing technology and ease of use. As this is similar to gambling and pathological trading, this can produce an addiction. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between use of cryptocurrencies and ADHD symptoms, quality of life and sleep quality among university students. Methods: In total 921 university students were included in this study. All participants answered the sociodemographic data form, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) using the online questionnaire method. Cryptocurrency users additionally responded to Problematic Cryptocurrency Trading Scale (PCTS). Results: In the cryptocurrency users’ ASRS scores were significantly higher (p<0.001), all SF-36 scores were significantly lower (for mental health subscale p=0.034, for other subscales p<0.001) in except SF-36 bodily pain scores, PSQI global scores (p<0.001) and subscales scores were found to be significantly higher (for sleep latency subscale p=0.013, for sleep disturbances subscale p=0.041, for other subscales p<0.001). Among those who cryptocurrency user, positive significant relationship was found between male gender, gambling, smoking and psychiatric history and PCTS scores (p=0.017, p=0.002, p=0.029, p=0.011 respectively). Conclusion: Cryptocurrency users have shown more ADHD symptoms, lower sleep quality and lower quality of life than non-users. Cryptocurrency use is common among university students and it should not be overlooked that it can evolve into behavioral addiction.
Matteo Robba, Angela Sorgente, Paola Iannello
Cryptocurrencies are innovative digital assets that became significantly popular in recent years. Despite their popularity, literature about cryptocurrencies is still lacking. Specifically, little is known about the psychological profile of cryptocurrency owners. The present paper aims to investigate the role of financial literacy, self-efficacy, risk tolerance, and impulsivity in cryptocurrency ownership in a representative sample of 1,153 Italian consumers. In particular, a Latent Profile Analysis was performed on cross-sectional data to identify different psychological profiles of consumers, and test which of these profiles is more likely to hold cryptocurrencies. Results indicate the presence of six different psychological profiles and that the psychological profile that best describes those who hold cryptocurrencies is characterized by high levels of financial literacy, risk tolerance, and self-efficacy in investment domains. Instead, a configuration of low financial literacy and high self-efficacy, risk appetite, and impulsivity scores is mostly associated with having owned cryptocurrencies in the past. These findings would suggest that psychological characteristics play a key role in cryptocurrency ownership.
Johannes Bennke, Lukas Weidener
No abstract is available for this record.
Mevlüt Uysal, Mutlu Tahsin Üstündağ, Ahmet Çelik, Mustafa TANRIVERDİ · 6 authors
Web3, characterized by its decentralization, user autonomy, and integration of blockchain technologies, introduces a novel ecosystem that is rife with both opportunities and complexities. While these advances are rewriting the conventional norms of digital interaction and data management, they are also ushering in a new set of challenges and learning curves. We introduce the "Web3 Awareness Scale" as a main element through the current study. This carefully designed scale assesses university students' understanding and readiness for the emerging landscape of Web3. Whilst the article provides detailed insights into the technical, real-world applications and challenges of Web3, the inclusion of the scale emphasizes the practical assessment of awareness and readiness among key digital natives - students. As a result of the EFA, 6 items were removed from the scale, and the total explained variance of the two-factor structure consisted of 31. The final version of the scale showed a total explained variation of 64.16%. Specifically, the first factor, Opportunities, accounted for 46.94% of the variance, while the second factor, Risks, accounted for 17.21% of the variance. It is found that the coefficients of all factors indicate a very highly reliable measurement. The interpretation is that both the total scale and each factor have a high level of reliability. The findings from the scale are critical and have the potential to provide invaluable insights. These insights are expected to shape future educational curricula and policy-making, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to navigate and exploit the opportunities of Web3.
Ahmet Çelik, Mutlu Tahsin Üstündağ, Onur Ceran, Mevlüt Uysal · 6 authors
Web3 teknolojileri günümüz dünyasında hızla gelişmesi sonucunda toplumsal yaşantımız üzerinde yıkıcı bir etki oluşturmaya başlamıştır. Gelecekteki iş gücü ortamlarında vazgeçilmez olacağı öngörülen bu teknolojilerden doğru şekilde faydalanabilmek için özellikle üniversite öğrencilerinin bugünden doğru bir farkındalık geliştirmeye ihtiyacı vardır. Bu bağlamda üniversite öğrencileri arasında Web3 teknolojileri farkındalığını artırmak için düzenlenen eğitimler önemli hale gelmiştir. Bu araştırmada Gazi Üniversitesinin öğrencilerine ücretsiz olarak sunduğu Web3 eğitiminin üniversite öğrencilerinin Web3 teknolojilerine yönelik farkındalıkları üzerindeki etkisini çeşitli değişkenler açısından ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır. Betimsel bir tarama çalışması olan bu araştırmanın örneklemi 387 Gazi Üniversitesi öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Araştırma verileri Web3 Farkındalık (WEB3F) Ölçeği ile çevrim içi ortamda toplanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre Web3 eğitimine katılan üniversite öğrencilerinin Web3 teknolojileri farkındalık düzeylerinin ortalamanın üzerinde olduğu, öğrencilerin farkındalık düzeylerinin sadece internet kullanım geçmişine göre anlamlı bir farklılık gösterdiği; cinsiyet, yaş, sınıf düzeyi, eğitim düzeyi, eğitim alanı ve günlük internet kullanım süresi faktörlerine göre anlamlı farklılık göstermediği belirlenmiştir.
Alesha Serada
The concept of symbolic capital, introduced by Pierre Bourdieu (1986), has been applied to explain the circulation of value between game communities and the industry. The bottom-up approach can be found in the studies of so-called “gaming capital” accumulated by gamers (Consalvo, 2009), while the top-down approach focuses on the agents who hold the most power in the gaming industry (Nichols, 2013). These perspectives may require reconfiguration today: since the end of the 2010s, traditional power relations have been contested by ‘decentralized’ gaming that uses blockchain technologies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Their early adopters suggest that NFTs may disrupt traditional circulation of value to the benefit of players as opposed to major corporations. Many gamers, however, vehemently oppose NFTs in games. By combining these top-down and the bottom-up approaches, this article explains that the specific symbolic gaming capital remains systematically underappreciated in blockchain gaming, which operates along different vectors of power. To support my argument, I turn to the longest-running blockchain-based game CryptoKitties (Axiom Zen, 2017), and analyze the elements of the role-playing genre that appeared in the game during the collective process of continuous development. In the first case, these elements (‘fancies’) were added by the developers of the game, and in the second case, an RPG-like extension emerged as one of its fan spin-offs (KotoWars). I conclude that symbolic capital is community-specific in the case of blockchain gaming. It is only available to those who already possess considerable symbolic, and, much more importantly, financial capital within the crypto community.
Tri Gohansen Yonwijaya, Rosidah Rosidah
The study aims to examine the factors influencing the behavioral intention to use applications among Generation Z using the UTAUT Model. UTAUT model analyzes consumers’ adoption or usage of technology. A quantitative methodology has been adopted. A survey was conducted by distributing a questionnaire to 184 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using SEM-PUS. The findings show that the Behavioral Intention to use cryptocurrency applications among Gen Z is positively and significantly influenced by Trust, Performance Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions. While the other variable namely Perceived Security and Behavioral Intention failed to show significant results.
Fatih Yığman, Şerif Bora Nazlı, Onat Yılmaz
BACKGROUND: Cryptocurrencies are a popular investment tool today. However, some studies highlight the investing behavior of cryptocurrencies similar to pathological gambling. Investing behavior becomes risky when it is not based on proper and adequate analysis and carries the possibility of big losses as well as big gains. For this reason, we aimed to determine the potential risky investor profile by age, gender, personality traits and impulsivity levels. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six hundred and fifty-four cryptocurrencies investors (529 was male, 125 was female, their mean age was 35.6 ± 9.0) participated in this study between June 2022 - August 2022. Participants were administered the Sociodemographic Data Form, the South OAKS Gambling Screen Test - revised (SOGS-r), the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11). RESULTS: We found higher neuroticism and impulsivity in possible problematic crypto investors. In addition, extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness scores were lower. Additionally, in our regression analyzes we found that younger age and male gender predicted SOGS-r scores. After controlling for age and gender, extraversion negatively and motor impulsivity positively predicted SOGS-r scores. DISCUSSION: Investing in cryptocurrencies can become a behavioral addiction, similar to pathological gambling. It is important to identify profiles in which investment behavior is risky. CONCLUSION: Personality traits and impulsivity may have a significant impact on identifying risky crypto investors and in the treatment process.
Stephanie Bowles, Priya Sharma
Our study builds on theories emphasizing connectivity for learning on social media to study learning networks on Twitter (e.g., Haythornthwaite, 2019;Siemens, 2005).Considering the nature of power law distribution on social media (Yoshida, 2021), we focus on a group of influencers from the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) community to uncover online learning networks and their emergent practices.By employing an exploratory Social Network Analysis (Nooraie et al., 2020) and qualitative analysis, we examine the way in which influencers form learning relations through conversational interactions and content, and the modalities and discursive strategies used in their tweets.We find that influencers built a strong learning network through sustained interactions and content relations among themselves and with a wide community outreach.This analysis contributes to the way that learning networks are analyzed and found on Twitter.
Amelia Delic, Paul Delfabbro, Daniel L. King
Abstract Play-to-earn (P2E) is a new form of monetised gaming based on blockchain and crypto-currency technology. Such games offer opportunities to combine gaming with speculative investment through the purchase of tradable in-game currencies and assets (non-fungible tokens). In this paper, we investigate the profile of people most likely to be attracted to this emerging form of gaming. A sample of 560 participants aged between 18-65 ( M = 28.3, SD = 8.3) were recruited via Prolific to complete an online survey that included measures of gaming ( Petry’s Internet Gaming Disorder Scale ) and gaming risk ( Problem Gambling Severity Index ), measures of gaming motivation and impulsivity. Other existing engagement in gaming monetization as well as digital asset ownership was also assessed. P2E interest was associated with higher gambling risk scores, but not with internet gaming disorder. P2E gamers also scored higher on extrinsic motivation and monetised gaming was generally associated with higher impulsivity. The results suggest that P2E may be attractive to those with a pre-existing interest in financially risky activities. Policy implications include the increasing need to monitor the growth of digital asset technology and the increasing convergence of gambling, financial speculation and gaming and the potential for increasing financial harm in gaming populations.
Dominic Arjuna Ugarte, Sean D. Young
It is essential to continually assess and find new ways to recruit and retain participants for research studies. Cryptocurrency is growing in popularity and may be a novel way to incentivize research participants. 100 participants, 50 of whom already had a cryptocurrency wallet and 50 of whom did not have a cryptocurrency wallet, were recruited through Facebook ads and completed a survey that asked about their experience with cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and potential interest in use of it for compensating research participants. The majority of respondents (79%) had some experience with cryptocurrency and 85% said they were comfortable trading cryptocurrency. Many participants had exchanged cryptocurrency within the past month (62%) and over their lifetime (70%). Respondents, however, were less familiar with NFTs, with only half having some experience with them. 18% of those without a cryptocurrency wallet and 42% of those with a cryptocurrency wallet chose to be compensated by cryptocurrency and NFT. Results suggest that, although cash and gift card incentives are preferred, there is an interest in cryptocurrency and NFTs. More studies will need to be done on a larger sample size and some of the challenges discussed (like cryptocurrency volatility) need to be addressed.
Khurram Ashfaq, Hafiz Tassawer Nadeem, Farhan Iftikhar
In this study, the proposed model of acceptance factors of cryptocurrencies was analyzed to recognize user behavioral intention by using; web quality, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, e-WOM, and perceived ease of use with the mediating role of the trust factor. An efficient and effective better arrangement of understanding this unique virtual delusion of the use of cryptocurrencies has become an essential part of the virtual world for each stakeholder. So many deliberations on the regulatory frameworks of cryptocurrencies have taken place among government regulators, financial advisors, tax consultants, politicians, thinkers, economists, and lawmakers, but there is inconclusive evidence on legislation in Pakistan.
David Ardia, Keven Bluteau
We examine the influence of Twitter promotion on cryptocurrency pump-and-dump events. By analyzing abnormal returns, trading volume, and tweet activity, we uncover that Twitter effectively garners attention for pump-and-dump schemes, leading to notable effects on abnormal returns before the event. Our results indicate that investors relying on Twitter information exhibit delayed selling behavior during the post-dump phase, resulting in significant losses compared to other participants. These findings shed light on the pivotal role of Twitter promotion in cryptocurrency manipulation, offering valuable insights into participant behavior and market dynamics.
Jaizah Othman, Fandy Lim Md Daniel Lim, Raudhah Mohd Tarmizi, Shahrullizuannizam Salehuddin
This study's main objective and purpose is to investigate the social factors that influence cryptocurrency awareness among Generation Z in Malaysia. The practical implications of this study can be helpful for future policymakers to understand better the drive behind cryptocurrency awareness among the general population, i.e., young working adults in Malaysia. In addition, this study will assist future researchers in better identifying the importance of social acceptance, trust, and confidence factors. The research design is a quantitative study of the factors driving cryptocurrency awareness among Generation Z here in Malaysia based on social factors, specifically social acceptance, trust, and confidence. The methodology is based on primary data collection techniques such as using questionnaires and surveys implemented through a cross-sectional research design. Questionnaire data were collected from a sample of 211 participants in Malaysia, with the majority of participants between 18 and 25 years old. The results confirm that trust, confidence level, and social acceptance have a moderately positive and significant relationship with cryptocurrency awareness. This means that social factors such as trust, trust level, and social acceptance have an impact on the awareness of cryptocurrencies among Generation Z in Malaysia. However, since there are some limitations, suggestions and recommendations were discussed in this study.
Monika Eisenbardt, Tomasz Eisenbardt
People obtain knowledge from different sources, depending on the issues that they wish to analyze or resolve. In this paper, the authors examine the sources of knowledge on cryptocurrencies that can be useful for young people. The authors used a survey questionnaire to collect empirical data. The sample consisted of students from Polish universities representing the population that is particularly interested in new technologies and solutions emerging on the market, as exemplified by cryptocurrencies. The purpose of this paper is to find an answer to the main research question: What sources of knowledge about cryptocurrencies have students used? Two criteria were taken into account, namely the respondents’ gender and the location of the universities where they studied. The general results showed that students choose modern, preferably well-known sources of knowledge about cryptocurrencies such as popular information websites and social media as well as information provided by their family and friends. The gender analysis showed that the main differences concern the sources of knowledge on cryptocurrencies: popular information websites were chosen more often by men, whereas television and radio were used more frequently by females. Regarding the location of the university, our findings showed that the approach of students to sources of knowledge tends to be similar, regardless of whether they study in Warsaw or Katowice. A difference was found for only one variable, i.e., family and friends. Thus, family and friends were a source of knowledge that students from Warsaw used more frequently than those from Katowice. It may indicate that metropolitan students are more sociable or family-minded.
Johannes Thrul, Luther G. Kalb, Patrick H. Finan, Zachary Prager · 5 authors
OPINION article Front. Psychiatry, 22 July 2022Sec. Digital Mental Health https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945830
Michael Fröhlich, Franz Waltenberger, Ludwig Trotter, Florian Alt · 5 authors
We present a systematic literature review of cryptocurrency and blockchain research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) published between 2014 and 2021. We aim to provide an overview of the field, consolidate existing knowledge, and chart paths for future research. Our analysis of 99 articles identifies six major themes: (1) the role of trust, (2) understanding motivation, risk, and perception of cryptocurrencies, (3) cryptocurrency wallets, (4) engaging users with blockchain, (5) using blockchain for application-specific use cases, and (6) support tools for blockchain. We discuss the focus of the existing research body and juxtapose it to the changing landscape of emerging blockchain technologies to highlight future research avenues for HCI and interaction design. With this review, we identify key aspects where interaction design is critical for the adoption of blockchain systems. Doing so, we provide a starting point for new scholars and designers and help them position future contributions.
Saher Zeast Hasan, Huma Ayub, Abida Ellahi, Mahnoor Saleem
The goal of this study is to find out what people think about cryptocurrencies and how they feel about it. The study used a questionnaire to assess the factors that influence people’s willingness to accept cryptocurrency. The study used a pretest, posttest quantitative analysis to determine the level of awareness among users in the first phase. In the second step, information regarding the conceptual framework was gathered using a survey approach. For the study, 350 university students were chosen as the sample size. Hypotheses about the significant effects of perceived benefits, perceived risks, perceived value, and structural provisions on behavioral intention to adopt cryptocurrency were accepted, while hypotheses about social effects, moderating effect of self-efficacy and personal innovativeness as well as the mediator attitudes towards using cryptocurrency, were not statistically proven. The tested model and resultant findings have brought many managerial and theoretical implications for enhancing the intention to adopt cryptocurrency.
Paul D. Witman, Scott Mackelprang
In mid-July 2020, the social media site Twitter had over 100 of its most prominent user accounts start to tweet requests to send Bitcoin to specified Bitcoin wallets. The requests promised that the Bitcoin senders would receive their money back doubled, as a gesture of charity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The attack appears to have been carried out by a small group of hackers, leveraging social engineering to get access to internal Twitter support tools. These tools allowed the hackers to gain full control of the high-profile user accounts and post messages on their behalf. The attack provides many paths for investigation into the prevention, response, and impacts of cybersecurity breaches.