The moderating role of gender in young individuals’ usage of E-wallets

Abstract

The widespread use of electronic wallets (e-wallets) has transformed digital payment landscapes yet understanding gender-specific usage patterns remain crucial for service providers and policymakers. This study examines how gender moderates the relationship between users’ perceptions of e-wallet attributes such as security, convenience, and transaction speed and their actual usage. Using an online survey of 180 respondents aged 15 - 30 years, the study finds that gender significantly moderates the effect of perceived security on e-wallet usage, with male and female users exhibiting different levels of concern. However, gender does not substantially moderate the effects of perceived convenience or transaction speed. This suggests that while security perceptions vary by gender, male and female users prioritise ease of use and transaction efficiency in their e-wallet interactions. Notably, the findings indicate a shift in digital payment behaviour, where convenience and speed outweigh traditional security considerations. This challenges the assumption that security concerns are the primary drivers of e-wallet usage. These insights contribute to the growing literature on digital financial services and offer practical implications for e-wallet providers. Understanding gender-specific usage patterns can inform targeted marketing strategies and user interface designs that address security concerns while maintaining the universal appeal of convenience and efficiency.