International Journal of Environment, Engineering, and Education
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Perceived Security and Trust as Mechanisms of P2P Adoption Technology: Evidence from Pre-Adopters Using PLS-SEM Approach

Wijaya, Indra Dharma (Unknown)
Salam, Rudi (Unknown)
Ghozi, Saiful (Unknown)
Mubarok, Faiz Ushbah (Unknown)
Subkhan, Muhamad Fajar (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Mar 2026

Abstract

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending can expand working-capital access for micro-entrepreneurs, yet borrowing via digital platforms heightens perceived vulnerability due to sensitive data disclosure and binding repayment obligations. This study examines how perceived security and trust shape adoption intention in a high-stakes fintech context by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and testing whether security and trust transmit the effect of perceived usefulness to intention. Using an explanatory cross-sectional design, we collected offline-administered survey data from 204 Indonesian micro-entrepreneurs who had not previously adopted P2P lending to capture pre-adopter perceptions better and reduce digital-selection bias. The model was estimated using PLS-SEM 3. The results indicate that all hypothesized relationships are positive and statistically significant. Perceived usefulness significantly enhances perceived security (β = 0.562) and trust (β = 0.259), while perceived security exerts a strong positive effect on trust (β = 0.517). Intention to use P2P lending is directly influenced by perceived security (β = 0.337), trust (β = 0.213), and perceived usefulness (β = 0.208). Mediation analysis confirms that perceived security (β = 0.189) and trust (β = 0.055) partially mediate the effect of perceived usefulness on intention to use. The model explains 42.4% of the variance in intention to use (R-squared = 0.424) and demonstrates adequate predictive relevance (Q-squared = 0.263). Overall, perceived security emerges as the most influential determinant of adoption intention, underscoring the importance of security-by-design features, transparent governance, and robust consumer-protection frameworks in fostering trust and accelerating P2P lending adoption among micro-entrepreneurs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijeedu

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Computer Science & IT Education Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering Environmental Science

Description

The International Journal of Environment, Engineering, and Education [e-ISSN: 2656-8039] is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that is published three times a year [in April, August, and December]; this journal provides the right platform for authors to update their knowledge, information, and ...