Is it possible to establish the link between drug busts and the cryptocurrency market? Yes, we can

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 1

Authors: Almaqableh, Laith; Wallace, Damien; Pereira, Vijay; Ramiah, Vikash; Wood, Geoffrey; Veron, Jose Francisco; Moosa, Imad; Watson, Alastair

Abstract: Following the rampant increase in Bitcoin prices, there has been a proliferation ... Expand

Abstract: Following the rampant increase in Bitcoin prices, there has been a proliferation of cryptocurrencies, which have become a major way of doing business across national boundaries. This paper investigates the link between cryptocurrency markets and drug trafficking activities. More specifically, we explore the impact of the announcement of 24 major drug busts on the systematic risk and return of the world cryptocurrency market. We deploy an event study methodology to estimate the abnormal returns associated with drug trafficking activities in the cryptocurrency market. We find that the relationship between the two is quite strong in the case of some cryptocurrencies, albeit weaker in others. However, we show that drug bust news tends to create uncertainty, and accordingly impart risk into cryptocurrency markets. This study confirms the predictions of convenience theories of crime as to the relative attractiveness of cryptocurrencies to criminals, and the extent to which not only general, but also their own future interests, sacrificed readily on the altar of accessibility. We highlight how when social and regulatory foundations are weak, criminal behaviour may overwhelm virtual spaces, margin­ alizing more orthodox businesses, no matter how altruistic the intentions of their founders. Collapse

Topics: cryptocurrency Bitcoin criminality price management Ethereum

Methods: event study longitudinal research robustness check literature study econometric modeling

Decision-Making Styles in Metaverse: Effects of Immersion and Embodiment

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bampouni, Elpida; Xi, Nannan; Hamari, Juho

Abstract: Decision-making is a vital skill of our daily cognitive arsenal. The rise of vi ... Expand

Abstract: Decision-making is a vital skill of our daily cognitive arsenal. The rise of virtual reality (VR) worlds like the metaverse, have created a new need to investigate human behavior under a technologically novel and multisensory prism. In this study, we experimentally investigate types of decision-making in artificial realities mediated by different levels of immersion (PC monitor vs. VR HMD) and sense of embodiment (self-motion vs. self-anchored). Participants (N=183) conducted a daily-life decision-making task of financial allocation, based on evaluating either a 3D graph or 2D graph containing price information across different periods. Five decision-making styles are evaluated including Rational, Intuitive, Dependent, Avoidant, and Spontaneous. Our results indicate that decision-making styles do not differ between diverse virtual realities, and instead remain similar to the control condition. However, due to the flexible nature of decision-making it is possible that content and environmental factors are still likely to influence decisionmaking in VR experiences. Collapse

Topics: virtual reality decision making virtual world

Methods: experiment multivariate analysis of variance survey experimental group survey design

Emotion in Motion: Experiment on Affective Responses to Virtual Realities

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Bampouni, Elpida; Xi, Nannan; Hamari, Juho

Abstract: The rise of metaverse platforms pave the path for a future where many human act ... Expand

Abstract: The rise of metaverse platforms pave the path for a future where many human activities will be conducted in a virtual reality (VR). Therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether and how users emotionally respond to fully digitalized realities when conducting daily activities. In this study, we focus on two core features: immersion and sense of embodiment through self-motion. We conduct a large-scale experiment to examine the effects of virtual realities on emotional traits (PANAS). We use high (VR head-mounted-display) and low (PC monitor) immersive environments, as well as different levels of self-motion (high/low), compared to a 2D control. Students (N=183) were randomly assigned in one of 5 virtual conditions to complete a daily non-emotionally charged task. Two analyses were conducted based on the same experiment. The findings indicate that immersion and embodiment are not direct emotional elicitors on their own, and affect valence and arousal are likely content related. Collapse

Topics: virtual reality decision making extended reality virtual world

Methods: experiment multivariate analysis of variance experimental group survey parametric test

Examining the Use of Blockchain Technology in Virtual Worlds: A Socio-Technical Systems Perspective

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Augustin, Nils; Durani, Khalid; Kollmer, Tim; Eckhardt, Andreas

Abstract: Recent developments, including the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, have led to l ... Expand

Abstract: Recent developments, including the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, have led to large-scale media attention on the phenomenon of the Metaverse. Although not being a new phenomenon in Information Systems (IS) research, many intricacies in virtual worlds remain unexplored. In particular , prior research has directed attention to users‘ lack of ownership rights, creating tension between the creator and user. To solve this tension, we argue that blockchain technology can potentially help to structure ownership rights. Therefore, our research explores a blockchain-based Metaverse through the socio-technical system lens. Our study highlights that, in the underlying case, the use of blockchain technology goes beyond the application of Non- Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and can also be found in the general organizational structure, blurring the boundaries of existing stakeholders. Our work contributes to research by providing a gaze into blockchain-based Metaverses and highlighting the potential application and benefit of the technology in virtual worlds. Collapse

Topics: blockchain virtual reality virtual world organization structure non-fungible token

Methods: case study single case study

Theories: socio technical theory sociotechnical systems theory

Hello, Avatar: The impact of avatars on individuals’ emotions and behaviors from three congruity perspectives

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Cheng, Xusen; Zhang, Shuang; Mou, Jian

Abstract: The rapid growth of social media platforms in the digital age has led to an exp ... Expand

Abstract: The rapid growth of social media platforms in the digital age has led to an explosion of the metaverse, injecting new vitality into avatars. Previous research has mainly focused on the application of avatars in virtual environments, with limited research on the impact of avatar interactions on individuals, except for avatar similarity, customization, and the uncanny valley effect. Considering the positive and negative perceptions brought about by avatars to individuals, we adopted a mixed-methods approach to propose a model that reveals the influencing mechanism of individuals' perceptions of an avatar on their emotions and behaviors from a holistic perspective. This study contributes to existing knowledge and expands dualcongruity theory. Additionally, the findings have practical implications for managers of metaverse platforms and individuals alike. Collapse

Topics: virtual reality virtual world information privacy concern privacy website

Methods: qualitative interview cognitive walkthrough design science mixed method experiment

How social media disrupts institutions: Exploring the intersection of online disinformation, digital materiality and field-level change

2023 | Information and Organization | Citations: 0

Authors: Davis, Daniel J.; Beck, Tammy E.

Abstract: The diffusion of disinformation via social media has become a pressing societal ... Expand

Abstract: The diffusion of disinformation via social media has become a pressing societal concern for business leaders and policy makers. In recent years, online disinformation has been implicated as a source of field-level institutional change across a variety of societal contexts. To better un­ derstand how online disinformation changes institutional issue fields, we explore how digital materiality affords users opportunities to create and propagate disinformation. We introduce and define three social media material features: modular content, content flow, and manifold network structures. From these digital materiality elements, we articulate three disinformation affordan­ ces: crafting, amplifying, and partitioning. We rely on several vignettes – far-right political conspiracy group, QAnon, anti-vaccination (i.e., anti-Vaxxers), and flat Earth beliefs – to illustrate how social media users exploit digital materiality and enact disinformation affordances. Our theoretical development also contributes to our understanding of how online disinformation disrupts institutional issue fields. In particular, we highlight several potential changes to insti­ tutional issue fields regarding power centralization, subfield structures, and institutional infra­ structure. We conclude by offering recommendations for future research and social media policy. Collapse

Topics: disinformation social media affordance misinformation user experience

Methods: theory development survey mixed method triangulation

Theories: theory of affordance institutional theory

What is the Metaverse and who seeks to define it? Mapping the site of social construction

2023 | Journal of Information Technology | Citations: 27

Authors: Dolata, Mateusz; Schwabe, Gerhard

Abstract: The Metaverse has become a buzz-phrase among tech businesses. Facebook’s rebrand ... Expand

Abstract: The Metaverse has become a buzz-phrase among tech businesses. Facebook’s rebranding to Meta is symptomatic of this. Many firms and other actors are trying to shape visions of the Metaverse, leading to confusion about the term’s meaning. We use social construction of technology (SCOT) theory to disentangle the conflicting notions proposing that what the Metaverse is and will become relies on the collective sensemaking processes. We point out similarities and differences between various concepts presented in the public media and link them to individual actors’ monetary, political, or social motives. We describe the tensions that occur because of the conflicting interests. As the Metaverse is an emerging phenomenon, opportunities exist to reorient it toward humanist values rather than singular interests. However, the complexity of the social processes that shape the Metaverse requires a considerate approach rather than premature conclusions about the Metaverse’s characteristics. The analysis presents the Metaverse as a new, continually evolving sociotechnical phenomenon, and calls for research that explores it as a dynamic, moving target. Collapse

Topics: virtual reality societal evaluation criteria technological change virtual world database system

Methods: linguistic analysis meta analysis

Blending Modalities, Pedagogies, and Technologies: Redesigning an Information Systems Course to Encourage Engagement

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Doyle, Cathal; Chiu, Yi-Te

Abstract: Having realized that the traditional approach to teaching our IS course on Busi ... Expand

Abstract: Having realized that the traditional approach to teaching our IS course on Business and Systems Analysis was not engaging students enough, we decided we needed to redesign our learning environment. The goal was to develop a course that encourages student participation, allows them to practice the different techniques we introduce them to, and empowers students to take control of their learning. To achieve this, we blended modalities (online and inperson), pedagogies (constructivist and collaborative approaches), and technologies (student-centered technologies). This resulted in a redesign that included replacing the lecture with learning resources of a digestible size and an activity-based discussion, the workshop focusing on a project for authentic problems, sense-making via doing and reflection, hybrid participation in a steady and sustainable pace, and learning communities to enable more interaction. In this paper, we share our experience and lessons that we have learned through a journey toward a student-centered approach to learning. Collapse

Topics: online learning system sensemaking virtual world video conference systems analysis

Methods: experiment

Exploring the Darkverse: A Multi-Perspective Analysis of the Negative Societal Impacts of the Metaverse

2023 | Information Systems Frontiers | Citations: 0

Authors: Dwivedi, Yogesh K.; Kshetri, Nir; Hughes, Laurie; Rana, Nripendra P.; Baabdullah, Abdullah M.; Kar, Arpan Kumar; Koohang, Alex; Ribeiro-Navarrete, Samuel; Belei, Nina; Balakrishnan, Janarthanan; Basu, Sriparna; Behl, Abhishek; Davies, Gareth H.; Dutot, Vincent; Dwivedi, Rohita; Evans, Leighton; Felix, Reto; Foster-Fletcher, Richard; Giannakis, Mihalis; Gupta, Ashish; Hinsch, Chris; Jain, Animesh; Jane Patel, Nina; Jung, Timothy; Juneja, Satinder; Kamran, Qeis; Mohamed AB, Sanjar; Pandey, Neeraj; Papagiannidis, Savvas; Raman, Ramakrishnan; Rauschnabel, Philipp A.; Tak, Preeti; Taylor, Alexandra; tom Dieck, M. Claudia; Viglia, Giampaolo; Wang, Yichuan; Yan, Meiyi

Abstract: The Metaverse has the potential to form the next pervasive computing archetype t ... Expand

Abstract: The Metaverse has the potential to form the next pervasive computing archetype that can transform many aspects of work and life at a societal level. Despite the many forecasted benefits from the metaverse, its negative outcomes have remained relatively unexplored with the majority of views grounded on logical thoughts derived from prior data points linked with similar technologies, somewhat lacking academic and expert perspective. This study responds to the dark side perspectives through informed and multifaceted narratives provided by invited leading academics and experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. The metaverse dark side perspectives covered include: technological and consumer vulnerability, privacy, and diminished reality, human–computer interface, identity theft, invasive advertising, misinformation, propaganda, phishing, financial crimes, terrorist activities, abuse, pornography, social inclusion, mental health, sexual harassment and metaverse-triggered unintended consequences. The paper concludes with a synthesis of common themes, formulating propositions, and presenting implications for practice and policy. Collapse

Topics: virtual reality privacy unintended consequence artificial intelligence IT security

Methods: digital trace data computational algorithm design guideline synthesis ethnography

Design and Development of Virtual Patients for Healthcare Education: State of the Art and Research

2023 | International Conference on Business Informatics | Citations: 0

Authors: Gellner, Carolin; Witte, Anne-Katrin; Winkler, Till J.

Abstract: The digital transformation of healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic have acceler ... Expand

Abstract: The digital transformation of healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated research and deployment of virtual patients (VP), that is, interactive computer simulations used in healthcare education to train students on clinical processes. To help researchers and practitioners understand the state of the art in VP development, we conducted a systematic literature review of 48 papers. Our analysis focused on educational level, medical specialty, competencies, technologies, technical format, and operating systems and tools. We found that VPs are primarily used in the medical field and student education as interactive patient scenarios based on multimedia system technology. VP authoring systems were identified as the primary tool for developing primary clinical reasoning skills. Based on our findings, we suggest implications for medical education research and practice. Collapse

Topics: operating system online learning system extended reality health information system virtual reality

Methods: synthesis literature study simulation structured literature research literature sample