Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital tokens issued on a blockchain to represent the proof of ownership of (digital) items. Despite their impressive technological capabilities and millions of users, research and practice lack an understanding of the factors motivating NFT purchases. In this study, we employ a sequential mixed-method approach to reveal what drives users to purchase NFTs. We performed 65 in-depth interviews (Study 1) with individuals who purchased at least one NFT to explore the factors that influence their decisions. Building on these insights, we carry out two surveys: one with 265 individuals who have purchased NFTs (Study 2), and another with 272 individuals who have considered buying an NFT but have not done so (Study 3). Using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, we reveal the combinations of influencing factors leading to NFT adoption in our sample. Building on self-determination theory, our aggregated findings emphasize the importance of intrinsic interest. We developed four propositions grounded in our data to guide future research. This study provides unique empirical insights into the adoption behaviour of NFTs as an emerging technology from a user perspective.
As digital identity solutions become increasingly prevalent, the necessity for robust age verification mechanisms has emerged as a critical concern for a range of services, from online transactions to access to age-restricted content. Current age verification methods often fall short of accommodating the diverse standards across jurisdictions, leading to vulnerabilities and inconsistencies in user experience. One of the main objectives of this study is to identify and analyze in a systematic way existing age verification methods and the main relevant international regulatory frameworks. The Age Verification Profile by the European Commission is including and exploring Zero-Knowledge Proof-based solutions for age verification, which are also considered in the EUDI Wallet Architecture and Reference Framework. This approach not only minimizes data privacy risks but also facilitates seamless digital interactions across the European Union. This paper primarily aims to explore the critical role of the European Digital Identity Wallet Architecture and Reference Framework in age verification and demonstrate that the EUDI Wallet seeks to enhance the security and efficiency of online transactions by introducing robust age verification mechanisms that effectively balance user privacy, security, and compliance with various regulatory requirements while preventing unauthorized access to services with age restrictions, which is in line with the broader objectives of the European Digital Identity initiative. Furthermore, we examine the European Union's age verification approach via the EUDI Wallet and the U.S. framework approach, conducting a comparative analysis between them that highlights key differences in architectural design and legal underpinnings and emphasizes their advantages.
Abstract Most algorithms deployed in healthcare do not consider gender and sex despite the effect they have on individuals’ health differences. Missing these dimensions in healthcare information systems is a point of concern, as neglecting these aspects will inevitably perpetuate existing biases, produce far from optimal results, and may generate diagnosis errors. An often-overlooked community with distinct care values and needs is LGBTQ+ older adults, who have traditionally been under-surveyed in healthcare and technology design. This article investigates the implications of missing gender and sex considerations in distributed ledger technologies for LGBTQ+ older adults. By using the value sensitive design (VSD) methodology, our contribution shows that many value meanings dear to marginalized communities are not considered in the design of the blockchain, such as LGBTQ+ older adults’ interpretations of trust, privacy, and security. By highlighting the LGBTQ+ older population values, our contribution alerts us to the potential discriminatory implications of these technologies, which do not consider the gender and sex differences of marginalized, silent populations. Focusing on one community throughout, we emphasize the need for a holistic, VSD approach for the development of ledger technologies for healthcare, including the values of everyone within the healthcare ecosystem.
Satya Siddhartha Balanagu, G. Sreenath, R. Shruthi, Shrividya Guruprasad · 5 authors
In this paper, we explore the challenges faced by Non-Fungible Token (NFT) markets within the ever-changing digital landscape, particularly concerning diminishing trust and user engagement. We advocate for a strategic overhaul in the design of NFT marketplaces to tackle these issues head-on. Our proposed approach prioritizes intuitive user interfaces, immersive features, and robust security measures, all aimed at reigniting user enthusiasm and revitalizing market activity. Through the incorporation of advanced AI technology for image feature extraction and the implementation of a sophisticated search engine with keyword matching, our platform facilitates seamless NFT discovery. Additionally, by integrating educational resources, we aim to clarify NFT concepts, thereby enhancing user comprehension and confidence. This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of NFT ecosystems, fostering a trusted and dynamic environment conducive to exploration and creation.
Most algorithms deployed in healthcare do not consider gender and sex despite the effect they have on individuals' health differences. Missing these dimensions in healthcare information systems is a point of concern, as neglecting these aspects will inevitably perpetuate existing biases, produce far from optimal results, and may generate diagnosis errors. An often-overlooked community with distinct care values and needs are LGBT+ older adults, which has traditionally been under-surveyed in healthcare and technology design. This paper investigates the implications of missing gender and sex considerations in distributed ledger technologies for LGBT+ older adults. By using the value sensitive design methodology, our contribution shows that many value meanings dear to marginalized communities are not considered in the design of the blockchain, such as LGBT+ older adults' interpretations of trust, privacy, and security. By highlighting the LGBT+ older population values, our contribution alerts us to the potential discriminatory implications of these technologies, which do not consider the gender and sex differences of marginalized, silent populations. Focusing on one community throughout - LGBT+ older adults - we emphasize the need for a holistic, value sensitive design approach for the development of ledger technologies for healthcare, including the values of everyone within the healthcare ecosystem.
S. Palmieri, Mario Bisson, Alessandro Ianniello, Riccardo Palomba · 5 authors
The expected demographic densification presents specific critical points where op-portunities for improving citizens' lives can be identified. For this reason, projects are underway to analyze and explore the dynamics of cities to adapt to new con-texts. Several European cities, including Milan, Paris, and Barcelona, are already implementing changes to encourage new types of neighborhood organizations which revolve around the concept of proximity, and primary services close to home. In this context, it seems fundamental to seek connectivity, encouraging new forms of relationships between citizens. The use of new digital tools, such as blockchain, favors new types of autonomous organizations that can manage activities on a neighborhood scale. Design should propose suitable and innovative models of ap-plication and act as a facilitator for their implementation. Through design, it is also possible to identify guidelines for the relationships in a neighborhood and to define activities and experiences with which citizens can relate.
Claudia I. Martínez-Alcalá, Alejandra Rosales-Lagarde, María de los Ángeles Alonso-Lavernia, José Á. Ramírez-Salvador · 9 authors
As information and services are becoming more and more decentralized and they are often available in the cloud, an increasing number of older adults are expected to use Internet-based services –health, education, finance and others. For this reason, it seems important to plan models and/or strategies to allow the older adult population to acquire and enhance digital competencies more easily. The goal of this research is to show a blended workshop based on a Learning Management System (LMS) as a supporting tool for older adults’ digital literacy. This blended workshop was based on the adoption of an instructional model and on prior experiences of the groups of elderly that participated in the face-to-face workshops. This study involved 98 adults aged 60 and above, 72 Females (68.5 ± 6.9) and 26 Males (73.3 ± 7.4). 61 older adults participated in the face-to-face workshop (FFG) on digital literacy and 37 participated in the blended workshop (BLG). Digital literacy increased at the post-evaluation after the workshops but even more for the BLG. Likewise, in the validation of the blended workshop the results were positive regarding ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude toward using and intention to use, which showed that older adults believe that it is useful to implement this type of supporting systems for developing their digital competencies. Hence, it is possible to conclude that older adults are capable of learning and acquiring digital literacy skills as long as they are strongly motivated or they know the functional benefits related to ICT.
Open access
Technology Use by Older Adults
Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
David E. Bloom, Ajay Mahal, Larry Rosenberg, Jaypee Sevilla
Abstract The rapid ageing of India's population, in conjunction with migration out of rural areas and the continued concentration of the working population in the informal sector, has highlighted the need for better economic security arrangements for the elderly. Traditional family ties that have been key to ensuring a modicum of such security are beginning to fray, and increased longevity is making care of the elderly more expensive. As a result, the elderly are at increased risk of being poor or falling into poverty. In parallel with its efforts to address this issue, the Government of India and some of the Indian states have initiated an array of programmes for providing some level of access to health care or health insurance to the great majority of Indians who lack sufficient access. Formal‐sector workers have greater social security than those in the informal sector, but they only represent a small share of the workforce. Women are particularly vulnerable to economic insecurity. India's experience offers some lessons for other countries. Although there is space for private initiatives in the social security arena, it is clear that most such efforts will need to be tax‐financed. The role that private providers can play is substantial, even when most funding comes from public sources, but such activity will face greater challenges as more individuals seek benefits. India has also shown that implementation can often be carried out well by states using central government funds, with a set of advantages and disadvantages that such decentralization brings. Finally, India's experience with implementation can offer guidance on issues such as targeting, the use of information technology in social security systems, and human resource management.