| May 13, 2024 |
|
|
|
(Nanowerk News) The research looked into user acceptance of blockchain-based sharing platforms similar to Airbnb. The study found that blockchain technology could eliminate intermediaries, such as holiday providers, potentially slashing costs by bypassing booking platforms.
|
|
The study also suggests that property owners stand to gain from blockchain adoption and gain more direct income, bypassing hefty fees typically levied by listing companies.
|
|
Customers could also benefit from greater control over their personal data, thanks to blockchain’s increased security and privacy during bookings.
|
|
Professor Iis Tussyadiah, co-author of the study (Tourism Management, “Decentralising Airbnb: Testing the acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems”) and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said: “Understanding how users value different features depending on the platform’s design is crucial for building successful blockchain-based sharing economies.
|
|
“Our research flips the script on traditional sharing economy models, placing power firmly in the hands of users, not corporations.”
|
|
The study also highlights nuanced gender-based differences in user preferences, with women prioritising traceability for security while men lean towards income distribution.
|
|
Professor Iis Tussyadiah continued: “Our research highlights the importance of user empowerment and context-specific considerations. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Blockchain solutions can drive widespread adoption and reshape the industry landscape by understanding factors such as fees, privacy, and income distribution within the sharing economy.”
|
