Psychosocial predictors of downloading a mobile app promoting healthy and sustainable eating

To reduce the environmental impact of food production has spurred the development of digital tools to promote sustainable eating, yet little research examined the psychosocial predictors of their adoption. This study addresses this gap by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions as predictors of technology use. To enhance the model’s predictiveness, we included variables from the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior—attitude, anticipated emotions, and desire— as well as sociodemographic factors. 511 participants completed an online survey in which they evaluated a customized app designed to promote sustainable eating. Results showed that performance expectancy was the strongest predictor of attitude, anticipated emotions, and intention, whereas effort expectancy was not. Social influence and facilitating conditions predicted desire, which in turn predicted intention, and thus led to app download. Facilitating conditions and emotions were more influencial for women, older participants showed a higher desire despite high effort expectation, and those with higher education levels downloaded the app more due its perceived ease of use. These findings suggest that developers should focus on enhancing the emotional appeal and perceived value of the app while addressing the users’ diverse needs based on gender, age, and education.