Paper Number

3138

Paper Type

Short

Description

The adoption of sustainable technologies has drawn the attention of information systems (IS) research. However, the role of psychological distance in managing paradoxical tensions has largely been overlooked. In this research-in-progress, we investigate how smart energy information can reduce temporal and social discounting in the adoption of renewable energy technologies within households. Our study aims to unravel the dimensions of the energy adoption paradox, which highlights the tensions between the potential benefits of renewable energy technologies and the barriers that slow their widespread implementation. We introduce the Temporal–Social Discounting (TSD) Matrix, a conceptual framework that identifies and differentiates reinforcement mechanisms, specifically idiocentric and reciprocal reinforcement. To empirically validate this framework, we outline a mixed-methods research design. Upon completion, our study will provide insights into user behavior, implications for system design, and offer recommendations to enhance transparency in energy utilization and generation.

Comments

12-ImplAndAdopt

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Dec 15th, 12:00 AM

Adoption Paradox of Sustainable Technologies: The Case of Renewable Energy Uptake by Households

The adoption of sustainable technologies has drawn the attention of information systems (IS) research. However, the role of psychological distance in managing paradoxical tensions has largely been overlooked. In this research-in-progress, we investigate how smart energy information can reduce temporal and social discounting in the adoption of renewable energy technologies within households. Our study aims to unravel the dimensions of the energy adoption paradox, which highlights the tensions between the potential benefits of renewable energy technologies and the barriers that slow their widespread implementation. We introduce the Temporal–Social Discounting (TSD) Matrix, a conceptual framework that identifies and differentiates reinforcement mechanisms, specifically idiocentric and reciprocal reinforcement. To empirically validate this framework, we outline a mixed-methods research design. Upon completion, our study will provide insights into user behavior, implications for system design, and offer recommendations to enhance transparency in energy utilization and generation.