How do Consumers Decide to Engage in Digital Shadow Work in Self-service Environment?: Grounded Theory Methodology Research

The development of digital technology has given rise to a new service model: self-service. This model introduces the concept of “digital shadow work”, in which consumers conduct unpaid behind-the-scenes digital tasks instead of employees. While consumers are engaging in increasingly more digital shadow work in self-service environments, they are unaware of their unpaid labor. This raises concerns about consumer rights and businesses’ long-term sustainability and health. This study aims to reveal the psychological awareness factors that influence consumers’ decisions to engage in digital shadow work in self-service environments. This exploratory qualitative study utilizes a grounded theory approach and semi-structured interviews to reveal the psychological awareness factors that contribute to consumers’ decision to engage in digital shadow work. By revealing the psychological awareness of decision-making factors, this study enhances consumer’s understanding and awareness of digital shadow work, which helps increase their awareness of self-protection in the context of self-service technologies. Additionally, understanding consumers’ decision-making psychology is crucial for non-face-to-face self-service technology companies and provides a theoretical basis for sustainable and healthy business development.