Revisiting the Technology Acceptance Model in the Digital Technology Era: A Theoretical Review

HRMARS - Purpose: This paper re-examines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the digital technology era. It posits that the rapid emergence of intelligent and immersive systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), has challenged the original rational and individualistic assumptions of the TAM. The study aims to clarify why revisiting TAM is necessary today and to propose an updated framework that reflects the social, emotional, and institutional dynamics of digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a theoretical review approach, this study synthesizes three decades of TAM-related literature, integrating key extensions such as TAM2, TAM3, and UTAUT with insights from the Theory of Planned Behavior and Trust Theory. Findings: The review reveals that while TAM remains a robust model, it must evolve to address digital-era factors such as trust, transparency, digital identity, and ethical governance. Technology acceptance is no longer purely cognitive but relational, affective, and socially embedded. Research limitations/implications: This study is conceptual and calls for empirical validation of the proposed digital-era TAM framework through longitudinal and multi-level research designs. Practical implications: The findings guide organizations and policymakers to promote responsible digital transformation by building trust, fostering digital readiness, and embedding ethical governance in technology adoption strategies. Originality/value: This study advances TAM by reframing it as a dynamic, socio-technical, and ethically grounded model, offering new theoretical and practical insights into human–technology interaction in the digital age.