Self-Determination, Perceived Risk, and Well-Being in Continued Use of Self-Service Kiosks

This study empirically examined how autonomy and competence from Self-Determination Theory (SDT), along with perceived risk, influenced customers’ well-being and continued use intention of restaurant self-service kiosks in South Korea. Despite the rapid adoption of kiosk-based services, limited research has explored how psychological factors shape both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being in technology-mediated service contexts. To address this gap, this study investigates the role of autonomy, competence, and perceived risk in influencing well-being and subsequent behavioral intentions. Data were collected from Korean customers who had used restaurant self-service kiosks, for one month starting on 10 October 2024, and a total of 360 valid responses were used for hypothesis testing. The results indicated that both autonomy and competence positively affected on hedonic well-being, while only autonomy significantly affected eudaimonic well-being. Perceived risk negatively influenced both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, which in turn positively influenced continued use intention. The findings contribute to the literature by extending SDT research in a kiosk-based service environment and highlighting the pivotal role of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being in shaping technology use behavior. Practical implications are offered and provide insights into the design of user-centered kiosk services that promote sustainable dining experiences.