Kumulative Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität, 2024

Smart products are progressively shaping our daily experiences, with algorithms empowering devices to operate autonomously, make decisions independently of users, and potentially compromise user well-being. This burgeoning autonomy in smart technologies has given rise to the concept of Technology Paternalism (TP), where devices act in a protective manner akin to a parental figure, potentially infring-ing on user autonomy and control. Despite its growing relevance, especially with the advent of increas-ingly smart systems, TP remains underexplored in technology acceptance and resistance research. This thesis synthesizes insights from three recent papers to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between TP, technology adoption and resistance, highlighting how perceived paternalism by smart products can impact user behavior. Drawing from a theoretical framework informed by psychological reactance theory and empirical evi-dence from correlational studies, this synthesis presents a nuanced understanding of TP's implications for user autonomy, control, and resistance to smart technologies. It introduces a validated three-factor scale for measuring TP providing a novel tool for future research and offering a basis for critical discus-sions on smart product design and policy making. The collective findings underscore the delicate balance smart technologies must navigate between aiding users and preserving their sense of control and freedom. As smart products become more embedded in daily life, understanding, and addressing the challenges posed by TP is crucial for fostering technology acceptance and minimizing resistance, thereby guiding marketers and product developers in strategizing product features and functionalities that keep TP in mind while delivering enhanced benefits.