The effect of moral evaluations on the intention to use human augmentation technology: moral considerations as a mediator of personal and societal adoption intentions

Inroduction Human augmentation technologies (HAT) enhance human abilities through device-based integration or extension of the human body. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represent a versatile form of HAT, spanning motor, sensory, and cognitive augmentation across a spectrum from restoration to expansion. Although past research identified ethical evaluations as key determinants of HAT acceptance, it remains unclear whether moral evaluations mediate the relationship between technology and user characteristics and usage intentions. This paper examines whether the effects of augmentation-specific (type and purpose of augmentation) and user-specific (disability status) characteristics on personal and societal intention to use HAT are mediated by moral evaluations. Methods We conducted two online experimental vignette studies with German participants. Study 1 employed a 3 × 4 between-participants design ( N = 1,142) with text-based vignettes depicting BCIs varying in augmented ability type and augmentation purpose. Study 2 used video vignettes in a between-participants design ( N = 1,201) featuring workload-adaptive BCIs used by either disabled or able-bodied drivers. We assessed usage intentions via adapted TAM2 scales and moral evaluation via an adapted Multidimensional Ethics Scale. Results Path models show that the effects of augmentation type, augmentation purpose, and user status on personal usage intention were fully mediated by moral evaluations. For societal usage intention, models indicate that moral evaluations fully mediate the effects of augmentation characteristics, and partially mediate those of user status. Discussion These findings indicate that moral evaluations constitute one pathway linking augmentation and user characteristics to BCI acceptance. Overall, this study advances the understanding of ethical aspects in HAT acceptance, using BCIs as an example.