Behavioural Predictors that Influence Digital Legacy Management Intentions among Individuals in South Africa

TL;DR

This study investigates how behavioral factors like attitude, social influence, and perceived control affect South Africans' intentions to manage their digital legacy, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches for digital estate planning.

Contribution

It identifies key behavioral predictors influencing digital legacy management intentions in South Africa, highlighting the need for region-specific tools and policies.

Findings

Attitudes positively influence digital legacy management intentions.

Peer opinions significantly impact individuals' planning behaviors.

Perceived personal resources and skills enhance management intentions.

Abstract

An emerging phenomenon, digital legacy management explores the management of digital data individuals accumulate throughout their lifetime. With the integration of digital systems and data into people's daily lives, it becomes crucial to understand the intricacies of managing data to eventually form one's digital legacy. This can be understood by investigating the significance of behavioral predictors in shaping digital legacy management. The objective of this study is to explore how behavioral predictors influence the intentions of individuals in South Africa towards managing their digital legacy. This entailed: Investigating the impact of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on these intentions. Exploring the perceived usefulness of digital legacy management systems. Understanding the implications of response cost and task-technology fit on individuals' inclinations towards digital legacy planning. Data were collected (n = 203 valid responses) from South African residents using an online survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation analysis (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that attitudes, peer opinions, personal resources, and skills are significant positive influences on digital legacy management intention. Recognizing and understanding these behavioral predictors is key when developing region-specific and culturally sensitive digital legacy management tools, awareness campaigns, and policies. Furthermore, it could pave the way for more tailored strategies, ensuring effective transfer of post-mortem data, reducing potential conflicts, and providing clarity when dealing with post-mortem data.