Filipinos’ E-wallet continuance usage intention and behavior: deciphering the roles of task technology fit, UTAUT2 and trust using SEM-ANN approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence and relative importance of unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT) two factors and task technology fit (TTF) on E-wallet continuance usage intention and behavior while integrating trust as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach The participants were identified through the combined applications of convenience and snowball sampling strategies comprising of 384 E-wallet users. The data gathering process was facilitated both through online and self-administered surveys. The proposed hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANN). Findings The research models corroborate moderate explanatory power and predictive accuracy toward measuring E-wallet continuance usage intention and behavior. Key findings revealed that factors such as task technology fit, performance expectancy and price value positively contribute to continuous user intention. In addition, trust significantly moderates the strength and direction of relationships between TTF and UTAUT2 indicators toward performance expectancy, price value perspectives and continuance usage intention. The ANN sensitivity analysis identified TTF as the main predictor of continuance usage intention. Originality/value This study redefines the E-wallet continuance usage intention and behavior framework by pioneering a dual-stage approach that integrates PLS-SEM and ANN in probing linear and nonlinear causal relationships from integrating TTF and UTAUT2 concepts with trust as a moderator. The study extends theoretical development and provides valuable insights for platform enhancement and policy regulation for E-wallet services in the Philippines.