Deciphering trust mechanisms in blockchain platforms: A multifaceted experimental exploration

Abstract

AbstractBlockchain technology, celebrated for its transparency and immutability, has emerged as a transformative force across various industries. However, the nuanced mechanisms by which these attributes cultivate user trust remain enigmatic. This study embarks on an empirical odyssey to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between transparency, immutability, and user trust within blockchain platforms, incorporating a gender perspective to enrich the exploration. Through a pre‐registered experimental procedure involving diverse participants, we manipulate the visibility of transaction history and the immutability of records but also the complexity. Our results unveil that both transparency and immutability significantly amplify user trust, with distinct effects observed based on gender. Additionally, we uncover the underlying mediating variables that affect these relationships, providing a textured understanding of the dynamics at play. The findings extend the theoretical frontier in blockchain‐related trust research and furnish valuable insights for practitioners in the design and regulation of blockchain platforms, thus contributing to a more profound comprehension of this burgeoning technology.