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The role of life satisfaction in cybersecurity awareness: A broaden-and-build perspective

Author

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  • Hong, Yuxiang
  • Mohammad Shafiee, Majid
  • Warkentin, Merrill

Abstract

Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual's life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the mediating effects of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions as well as compensatory internet use (CIU) theory. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The empirical results showed that life satisfaction - as a stable cognitive indicator of subjective well-being - was associated with higher cybersecurity awareness, both directly and indirectly through pathways informed by the BBT and CIU theory. This study provides managers with actionable insights for promoting cybersecurity awareness by fostering psychological resources (e.g., life satisfaction) that buffer against security fatigue and burnout.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong, Yuxiang & Mohammad Shafiee, Majid & Warkentin, Merrill, 2026. "The role of life satisfaction in cybersecurity awareness: A broaden-and-build perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:85:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x25003963
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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