Digital Sustainability Trade-Offs: Public Perceptions of Mobile Radiation and Green Roofs

This paper explores how public perceptions influence the interplay between Digital Sustainability (DS), public health, and environmental policy, particularly regarding the effects of mobile radiation on green roofs. While green roofs are recognized for their ecological advantages, the impact of mobile radiation exposure, especially from 5G technology, has not been thoroughly examined in Information Systems (IS) research. Through a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) involving an urban sample from the French population, our findings indicate a significant preference for funding research focused on human health compared to plant health, with willingness to pay (WTP) estimates for human health nearly twice as high. Nonetheless, the considerable support for plant health research underscores the importance of addressing both human and environmental aspects in policy formulation. This study contributes to the growing DS dialogue by demonstrating how cognitive, emotional, and moral perceptions shape public backing for research on mobile radiation. These findings enhance our understanding of how public attitudes influence the adoption and regulation of green technologies in urban environments. Our research provides insights for IS researchers and policymakers, advocating for balanced funding approaches and the integration of cognitive, emotional, and ethical factors into policy frameworks to foster effective public engagement and regulatory policies.