The growing ubiquity of the metaverse among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offers a game-changing chance for creative business plans and improved communication. This adoption reduces the consumption of physical resources and promotes an environmentally responsible business model in besides increasing operational efficiency. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UNDP, our study attempts to clarify how the metaverse might improve the sustainable performance of SMEs. We developed a comprehensive study model based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) and technical organizational and environmental (TOE) paradigms. For data analysis a hybrid approach merging partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. The study highlights the crucial roles of relative advantage, value alignment, compatibility, and top management after analyzing data from 369 respondents across Chinese SMEs that was collected both physically and online. The understanding of decision-makers becomes evident as a crucial element impacting the adoption of metaverse and ensuing sustainable (social, economic, and environmental) outcomes. This study offers valuable insights on metaverse adoption and sustainable performance for Chinese SMEs. Additionally, it offers appropriate suggestions for managers of SMEs, policy makers, and metaverse developers.

This study examines how consumer app attachment, influenced by FDA attributes, impacts continuous usage intentions, considering gender differences using 475 individuals aged 20+ who used FDAs monthly. Using SmartPLS, we tested proposed relationships and conducted multi-group analysis for gender perspectives. Findings indicate that layout, functionality, financial security, and customer service significantly impact app attachment, which in turn influences continuous FDA usage. Moreover, PLS-MGA revealed gender-specific differences in the relationship between aesthetic appeal, app attachment, and continuous usage intention. While our findings may be limited by the focus on third-party delivery apps and data collection solely in Malaysia, they offer valuable insights for FDA service providers. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the unexplored area of app attachment’s influence on continuous usage intention in the context of FDAs. Our analysis, grounded in the SOR Theory and employing a gendered perspective, provides valuable insights into this understudied aspect of consumer behaviour.

Interaction is crucial for online self-regulated learning (OSRL) ability and learning outcomes. The absence of social interaction might lead to high dropout rates in online learning environments. Danmaku holds great potential to enhance online learning by fostering interaction. This study explores the motivations behind university students’ use of danmaku and its influence on their OSRL. Using a mixed methods approach through surveys and interviews with 100 university students from two universities, we found that danmaku promotes social interaction by fulfilling students’ information and entertainment needs. Additionally, engagement with danmaku supports self-regulated learning through reflection and responding strategies and enhances enjoyment by increasing self-efficacy in contributing to the online learning community. This study expands understanding of the role interactive tools like danmaku can play in enhancing social interaction and OSRL, and highlights the potential of danmaku to improve student engagement and reduce dropout rates for quality education.