Intention to use smartwatch health applications: A regulatory fit and locus of control perspective

Smartwatch applications are growing in popularity, but little is known about why people are motivated to use different smartwatch health apps. Drawing on regulatory focus theory, we propose that the fit between individuals’ regulatory focus (i.e., primarily prevention or primarily promotion) and the regulatory properties of smartwatch health apps (i.e., primarily promotion apps or primarily prevention apps) helps to explain individuals’ motivations related to intentions to use smartwatch health apps. Further, we show that individuals’ internal health locus of control strengthens the effect of regulatory fit. This study contributes by demonstrating how regulatory focus and locus of control influence intentions to use smartwatch health apps.