More haste, less speed: How update frequency of mobile apps influences consumer interest

Abstract

The present study proposes a theoretical framework that uncovers the joint effects of the update frequency of apps and product type of the update on consumer interest and its underlying mechanisms. Building on the theory of mental accounting and regulatory focus, we propose that the effects of update frequency on consumer interest are different for hedonic products and utilitarian products. The authors give insights into the main effects with an empirical analysis of a field data set and establish an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by two laboratory experiments. The findings show that for hedonic products, high update frequency contributes to higher consumer interest by affecting the benefit perception of consumers. For utilitarian products, low update frequency results in higher consumer interest by influencing the risk perception of consumers. Furthermore, the level of update can affect the combined effects of product type and update frequency on consumer interest and, particularly for low update levels, the aforementioned association can be reversed.