Examining the Nonlinear and Interactive Effects of Digital Devices on Resident Participation in Urban Flood Response

Abstract In recent years, digital devices became crucial for residents to participate in flood emergency response, as it enables rapid information flow, resource mobilization, and coordination, thus improving response efficiency. Yet the influence of digital devices on resident participation in flood disaster response has not been well explored. This study adapted the community capital framework (CCF) to explore how digital devices impact residents’ participation willingness during urban flood response by using the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model. Data were collected from 1,351 respondents in Zhengzhou City, China, in 2023. The study revealed that: (1) Digital devices significantly influence residents’ participation willingness in flood response, especially in terms of information acquisition and sharing. (2) Indicators of digital devices, such as their usefulness and residents’ proficiency in using them, are key predictors of participation willingness, and their relationships are primarily nonlinear. (3) Digital devices demonstrate both reinforcement and compensation patterns in the interaction effects on residents’ participation willingness. Interaction mechanisms underscore the pivotal role of digital technologies in participatory flood emergency response. These findings can help stakeholders better assess the benefits of enhancing digital device support in flood emergency responses.