DETERMINANTS INFLUENCING UPM STUDENTS’ INTENTION TO USE SMARTPHOME-BASED ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY APPLICATION

The rapid rise of Online Food Delivery Applications (OFD Apps) has transformed meal access by connecting consumers with food providers through third-party platforms, often supported by gig workers. While offering speed and affordability, these platforms face challenges such as fluctuating demand and external disruptions. University students, known for their tech-savviness and convenience-driven habits, represent a crucial user segment for OFD services. This study explores the behavioral factors influencing Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students’ intention to use OFD Apps, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a framework. Key constructs examined include performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC). A total of 375 students participated in an online survey, with data analyzed via Pearson correlation and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) using IBM SPSS Version 27.0. Results revealed strong positive correlations between usage intention and PE (r=0.587), SI (r=0.504), and FC (r=0.503), while EE showed a moderate correlation (r=0.426). MLR analysis identified PE (B=0.351) as the most significant predictor. These findings offer practical insights for enhancing OFD adoption among youth and contribute to the theoretical application of UTAUT in the digital food delivery context.