International Journal of Mobile Communications (18 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Switch to a new version or keep status quo? The explanation for users to update software from push-pull-mooring perspective  
  by Xue Sun, Yuhao Li 
  Abstract: Companies invest high-volume costs in software maintenance but often failed to receive equivalent feedback from users (e.g., resistance to update). This research aims to shed light on the update motivation of users. In the context of online meetings (OMs), this study is guided by the status quo bias and the application technology innovation theory to establish an updating motivation model framed by push-pull-mooring (PPM). The model was verified using the PLS method based on an online survey with 380 samples. The results indicated that push factors, pull factors, and mooring factors have significant impacts on the OM users’ update intention. A multi-group comparison further shows that the cognitive resource moderates the effects of pull and mooring factors on the OM update.
  Keywords: status quo bias; SQB; cognition resource; push-pull-mooring; PPM; software update; migration in IS; online meeting.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2025.10063219
   
  
• HGRO: harmonic gold rush optimisation for DDoS attack detection and mitigation in SDN-IoT  
  by S. Muthukumar, A.K. Ashfauk Ahamed , D. Menaga, S. Samundeswari 
  Abstract: One of the most rampant and challenging attacks on the internet of things (IoT) is the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack. This paper proposes DDoS attack detection and mitigation in software-defined IoT (SDN-IoT). Initially, SD-IoT is initialised and the DDoS attack detection is done based on log data. The log data is forwarded to feature selection. The attack detection is performed utilising a deep stacked autoencoder (DSA), which is trained by utilising the designed harmonic gold rush optimisation (HGRO). The HGRO is formulated by combining gold rush optimisation (GRO) and harmonic analysis. If an attack is detected, then attack mitigation is done using deep residual networks (DRN), which is tuned by hybrid HGRO. Moreover, the HGRO+DSA is assessed by utilising true positive rate (TPR), accuracy, and true negative rate (TNR). The HGRO+DSA had a maximal value of accuracy of 0.896, TPR of 0.910, and TNR of 0.896.
  Keywords: DDoS attack detection and mitigation; deep stacked autoencoder; harmonic analysis; deep residual networks; DRNs; gold rush optimisation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10077267
   
  
• Social media influence and greenwashing concerns: determinants of green food purchasing decisions among university students in China  
  by Dimitrios Tatsis, Jian Zhang 
  Abstract: Social media functions as a key channel in publicising green goods, significantly shaping how these goods are presented to and perceived by consumers. The paper pursues to scrutinise the influences of social media engagement (SME) and perceived greenwashing risk (PGR) on shaping green-food purchasing intent and behaviour among the youths. A cross-sectional questionnaire appraisal was taken to gather data from 365 students of five top university in China. Data scrutiny was conducted with Smart-PLS version 4.1.1.2. The study’s outcomes insinuate that SME and PGR substantially predict the behaviours and intentions of young buyers pertaining to eco-friendly spending. Besides, societal norm (SN) mediates the linkage between SME and green-food buying behaviours. Via the inclusion of PGR and SME as new influential determinants within the framework, this research is an initial endeavour that magnify the theory of planned behaviour.
  Keywords: perceived greenwashing risk; PGR; social media engagement; SME; university students; young consumer; green food; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10077555
   
  
• Exploring the influencing factors of intermittent discontinuance behaviour in online knowledge communities: a hybrid of meta-analysis and DEMATEL—ISM—MICMAC  
  by Junjun Li, Ning Wang, Juan Wen, Yuzhuo Wang 
  Abstract: This paper aims to elucidate the influencing factors and hierarchical logical relationship of intermittent discontinuance behaviour within online knowledge communities. Utilising the meta-analysis method, 70 empirical studies were analysed, extracting 15 influencing factors. The DEMATEL method identified key driving factors; ISM constructed a multi-level hierarchical structure; and MICMAC analysed each factor's driving power and dependence. The study identified two surface factors, namely use fatigue and transfer fatigue; nine intermediate factors, such as information overload and social needs satisfaction; and four deep factors, such as self-efficacy and impression management. The intermittent discontinuance behaviour observed in online knowledge communities resulted from the combined influence of these three factor levels. Based on existing research on intermittent discontinuance behaviour of online community users, this paper comprehensively analyses the main influencing factors of this behaviour, and further explores its formation mechanism and hierarchical logical relationship, providing suggestions for community managers.
  Keywords: online knowledge community; intermittent discontinuance behaviour; IDB; meta-analysis; decision making trial and evaluation laboratory; DEMATEL; interpretative structural model; ISM; cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification; MICMAC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10077887
   
  
• Does using short video apps reduce people's satisfaction with life quality? Evidence from China  
  by Wenze Tian, Xiaoyu Wang 
  Abstract: Few people have studied the value orientation of short video users. This study aims to scrutinise the impact of short video applications (apps) on individuals' satisfaction with life quality and to validate the underlying mechanisms. Empirical analyses were conducted using data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies, which included participants aged 16 to 69 years (N=7,257). Results shows that engagement with short video apps reduces people's satisfaction. This effect is more noticeable in urban residents, those under 45, and individuals with a minimum of high school education. Notably, using short video apps most significantly impacts satisfaction concerning the wealth gap issues. Additionally, social trust and negative emotions significantly mediated the relationship between the daily use of short video apps and people's satisfaction with life quality. These findings underscore the need for vigilance regarding the influence of various short video apps on public perceptions, and fostering a positive online environment.
  Keywords: short video applications; satisfaction of life quality; social trust; negative emotions; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10077888
   
  
• Efficient boosted LeNET graph drawing backtracking gated recurrent unit algorithm for 6G-wireless sensor network  
  by Mohan Akole, P. Kavipriya 
  Abstract: This paper addresses inefficiency and unreliable network topology in 6G-wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which arises from suboptimal anchor and sensor node placements causing coverage gaps, signal degradation and interference. Thus, a novel Boosted LeNET Graph Drawing Butterfly Backtracking Gated Recurrent Unit Algorithm is proposed. The research introduces the boosted LeNET-5 (B-NET) algorithm for initial node placement and iterative refinement based on real-time data assimilation. Additionally, a force-directed graph drawing (FDGD) method is employed that handles complex network structures thereby enhancing resilience against signal interference. Moreover, with the upgraded butterfly backtracking optimisation (UBBO) algorithm for precise anchor node placement and the SEN-GRU-AI algorithm integrating five localisation measurement techniques (FLMT), the proposed system shows the potential to advance the reliability and adaptability of 6G-WSNs for diverse applications. The simulation results with least localisation error of 0.65 and maximum output power of 0.95 W reveals the proposed model’s efficiency in increasing WSN reliability.
  Keywords: LeNET-5 neural network; 6G-wireless sensor networks; WSNs; butterfly backtracking optimisation; graph drawing algorithm.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10078055
   
  
• An efficient cluster head selection model in wireless sensor networks with routing protocol and optimisation techniques  
  by Midhun Kumar Ayyalraj, S.A. Sahaaya Arul Mary , M. Thirunavukkarasan , K. Rajkannan , T. Judgi , Karthikeyan Murugesan 
  Abstract: In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), data clustering is an efficient research area for improving communication while conserving energy. Building upon this principle, this paper focuses on a hybrid optimisation strategy to perform the optimal cluster head selection process, ensuring efficient communication and energy-aware routing in WSNs. Moreover, the throughput of the suggested system is 0.21, which is 47%, 24.54%, 16.08%, and 1.16% improved over HO, ABO, MOA and SLOA by considering the best value in terms of cluster head selection. These results confirm that the proposed HMO-SLOA algorithm provides a robust and efficient solution for WSNs, outperforming existing state-of-the-art optimisation methods across multiple performance metrics.
  Keywords: wireless sensor networks; WSNs; routing; cluster head selection; hybrid mother optimisation-based snow leopard optimisation algorithm; HMO-SLOA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10078144
   
  
• Uncovering users’ switching from government service applications to government WeChat mini-programs: Based on push-pull-mooring framework  
  by Xiao Wang, Yueqi Ma, Tong Sun, Xinru Jiang 
  Abstract: As mobile government (m-government) services continue to evolve, an increasing number of users in China are shifting from traditional government service applications to government WeChat mini-programs (GWMPs). Yet, the factors driving this transition remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on the push-pull-mooring (PPM) framework, this study examines the key motivators and inhibitors that shape users’ intentions to switch platforms. We surveyed 436 individuals who have experience with both government service applications and GWMPs, then applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate our PPM-based model. Findings indicate that dissatisfaction with existing government service applications constitutes a significant push factor, prompting users to consider alternatives. In contrast, perceived relative advantages, subjective norms, and network externalities emerge as compelling pull factors that draw users toward GWMPs. Meanwhile, inertia
  Keywords: digital public services; m-government; mini-program; push-pull-mooring framework; switching behavior; switching intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10078251
   
  
• Denial of service-resilient dynamic source routing for mobile ad hoc networks using decision owl optimisation  
  by B. Nancharaiah, Anumala Vijayasankar, Kodavati Babu Rao, M. Koteswara Kishore  
  Abstract: Recently, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETS) are widely used in a variety of contexts, including the commercial and military. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks target moving nodes, and privacy is one of a network's most important components. These kinds of assaults are referred to as malicious attacks. A denial-of-service attack is hard to anticipate and stop once it starts. Therefore, the current study has developed a novel approach, decision owl-based dynamic source routing (DObDSR), for MANETs to improve the security and performance of dynamic source routing (DSR). The generated nodes were integrated into the Python environment to locate the malicious node, and the results verify the effectiveness of the new DObDSR in obtaining the required metrics. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed DObDSR method is evaluated using a few parameters, including packet delivery, network throughput, packet loss ratio (PLR), malicious prediction accuracy, communication delay, and network lifetime.
  Keywords: delay; mobile ad hoc network; MANET; denial of service; DoS; network lifetime; high energy consumption; throughput; dynamic source routing; DSR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10078332
   
  
• Energy-aware algorithm for resource optimisation in edge-based multi-cluster communication networks  
  by Rajesh D. Thakare, Suman Avdhesh Yadav, Krishna Kant Agarwal, Jitendra Kumar Seth, Birendra Kumar Saraswat, Satya Prakash Yadav 
  Abstract: Internet of things multi-cluster communication resource optimisation issues arise as clusters and their devices increase. However, we must create effective cluster resource allocation policies to use such systems efficiently. These include load-balancing techniques to distribute requests equitably, hardware device dynamic scheduling, and cluster hypervisors that give virtual instances of resources. Data management should facilitate cluster-wide data sharing. These applications reduce resource misuse and optimise networking and data handling in multi-cluster communications systems. An efficient method for energy-aware resource allocation for edge devices in multi-cluster communication systems is developed. This approach optimises edge node resource use using a higher-level meta-cluster heuristic and semantic clustering. The model reduces numerous clusters’ energy and resource use, subject to latency. A graph-based node selection algorithm matches high-load nodes with high-quality clusters. An elastic game-theoretic pricing strategy adjusts resource prices based on node resource consumption to ensure fairness. Additionally, the proposed scheme adjusts its parameters to target different schemes. Simulations reveal that our system had 96.33% energy efficiency, 93.43% resource utilisation and QoS, 97.24% scalability, and 94.64% cache hit rate.
  Keywords: edge devices; cluster communication; multi-cluster; resource optimisation; load-balancing; dynamic scheduling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10078333
   
  
• Perceived inequality in news coverage and life satisfaction among internet users: the mediating roles of sadness and anger and the moderating influence of monthly income  
  by Shuo Wang, Angyang Li 
  Abstract: Mobile communication technologies and social media increasingly shape how individuals encounter news and perceive societal issues. This study investigates how mobile news exposure influences individuals’ emotional responses to income inequality and their life satisfaction in China. Drawing on relative deprivation and emotion theories, we propose a moderated mediation model examining the mediating roles of sadness and anger and the moderating role of monthly income. Data from two independent samples (N = 675) indicate that exposure to inequality-focused mobile news triggers sadness, which mediates the negative association between perceived inequality and life satisfaction. The effect of perceived inequality on sadness was stronger among higher-income participants, suggesting that the psychological burden of inequality-related news may disproportionately affect the affluent. These findings illuminate the emotional mechanisms linking media, inequality perception, and well-being, offering insights for responsible economic reporting and media ethics.
  Keywords: perceived income inequality; mobile news; emotion; life satisfaction; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10078558
   
  
• How does mobile banking upgrading drive banks financial performance?  
  by Kuang-Hsun Shih, Chi-Yun Chou , Yi-Hsien Wang 
  Abstract: Although the digitalisation of the financial industry has progressed significantly, most studies rely solely on cross-sectional data for estimation, neglecting the role of customer behaviour as a mediating factor. Unlike previous studies that only focused on adoption intentions, the CTBC Bank’s 2018 mobile banking upgrade provided a quasi-experimental environment. With 174 months of internal data from CTBC Bank (2010-2024), we use a multiple mediation setting along with panel regressions. Research results found that the upgrade to mobile banking by CTBC boosted digital engagement extensively, which in turn expanded transaction intensity and lifted net interest income. This study found the mediating effect from active digital users to money transfers, and then to higher-value transactions. This study provides implementable evidence to banks that the long-term value of digitalisation lies not just in efficiency but in triggering behavioural mechanisms that facilitate widening revenue opportunities.
  Keywords: digital transformation; banking performance; mobile banking; digital customer engagement; digital transaction behaviour; multiple mediation effects; CTBC bank.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10078589
   
  
• Investigating cloud-diffusion capabilities impacts on firm performance via inter- and intra-organisational processes  
  by Siyi Dong, June Wei, Yuan Liu 
  Abstract: This research aims at investigating impacts of the cloud-diffusion capability on firm performance via inter- and intra-organisational diffusion processes. Specifically, we first identify cloud-diffusion capabilities by integrating cloud technology and innovation diffusion capabilities to develop the third-order construct. Based on the innovation diffusion theory, a research model is constructed to investigate impacts of developed cloud-diffusion capabilities on firm performance via two diffusion processes. The moderating effects of the security level and competitive intensity are further examined. Then, the structural equation model is utilised to examine derived hypotheses based on valid survey data from 510 firms. The findings suggest that cloud-diffusion capabilities have significantly positive effects on intra- and inter-organisational diffusion processes; and further on firm performance. Furthermore, the security level and competitive intensity positively moderate the relationships between cloud-diffusion capabilities and two diffusion processes. This research provides an innovative approach to extend innovation diffusion theories and cloud characteristics to investigate underlying mechanisms of cloud-diffusion capabilities’ effects on firm performance from intra-organisational and inter-organisational process views. This research also provides valuable guidelines for both firm-level users and service providers to comprehend cloud-diffusion capabilities and benefits of cloud computing.
  Keywords: cloud characteristics; cloud-diffusion capabilities; innovation diffusion processes; inter- and intra-organisational diffusion; firm performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10079261
   
  
• A revolution or an evolution? An architecture innovation analysis of the shift to 5G networks  
  by Junghwan Lee, Dongwook Kim 
  Abstract: While 5G mobile network technology is commonly known as a generational leap from 4G, but this leap fundamentally differs from those of the past generations of mobile technology in that 5G supports more use cases and introduces technologies under a new paradigm. Theory of architecture innovation and modularity is a framework that can be used to evaluate changes in technological architecture, especially when the technology in concern is not undergoing radical transformation. Consequently, this study analyses, based on the architecture innovation framework, the architectures of different generations of mobile network technology (2G to 5G) and the mobile network equipment comprising the networks (pre-5G vs. 5G). As a result, we find a significant shift toward integrality from 4G to 5G architecture and toward modularity for network equipment, indicating more integration efforts for network operators and new market opportunities for equipment vendors.
  Keywords: mobile communications; 5G; architecture innovation; modularity trap.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10079933
   
  
• Examining university students’ addiction toward generative AI: an I-PACE perspective  
  by Tao Zhou, Haicheng Pan 
  Abstract: University students’ addiction toward generative AI not only reduces their learning autonomy, but may also hinder the development of critical thinking. The purpose of this study is to adopt the I-PACE model to examine university students’ addiction toward generative AI. A mixed method of SEM and fsQCA was used to conduct data analysis. The results indicate that academic self-efficacy has a negative effect on generative AI addiction. In addition, academic self-efficacy affects cognitions (inertia thinking and academic stress) and emotions (hedonic gratification and mood regulation), both of which further affect generative AI addiction. The findings suggest that universities should provide academic support and reduce academic stress in order to mitigate students’ negative emotions and prevent their addiction toward generative AI.
  Keywords: university students; generative AI; addiction; I-PACE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10080155
   
  
• Social exclusion and problematic smartphone use: examining the chain mediation of social anxiety and fear of missing out in China and the USA  
  by Kun Peng, Sihao Yang, Yihan Su, Geng Chen, Hexin Chen 
  Abstract: Problematic smartphone use has received considerable attention due to its adverse impact on many individuals, particularly college students. While numerous studies have explored the antecedents of problematic smartphone use, few have examined its relationship with social exclusion. Given the effects of social exclusion on mental health, it is crucial to understand the psychological factors that link social exclusion and problematic smartphone use. This study aims to construct a chain mediation model, incorporating social anxiety and fear of missing out as mediating variables, to compare problematic smartphone use among college students in China and the United States. Our findings confirm that social anxiety and fear of missing out mediate the relationship between social exclusion and problematic smartphone use. Moreover, the strength and nature of these mediation effects differ across cultural contexts. This study advances the literature on problematic smartphone use by providing cross-cultural evidence of the psychological mechanisms underlying this behaviour.
  Keywords: social exclusion; social anxiety; fear of missing out; FoMO; problematic smartphone use; PSU; China; USA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2026.10080282
   
  
• Effects of clickbait headlines and puffery phrases in mobile news: a persuasion knowledge perspective  
  by Li-Shia Huang, Wan-Ju Huang, Yu-Han Lee 
  Abstract: Clickbait has become a common marketing tactic to entice readers, thereby increasing page views and advertising revenue. This study introduces persuasion knowledge (PK) as a moderator to examine the effects of clickbait headlines and puffery phrases on attitudes towards soft-news headlines and media companies. Two 2 x 2 between-subjects experiments were conducted to test the moderating effect of PK on headline type (clickbait vs. traditional) and puffery phrases (presence vs. absence) in Study 1 (N = 168) and Study 2 (N = 176), respectively. Results show that activated PK leads readers to respond more negatively to clickbait and puffery headlines compared with traditional and non-puffery headlines. In contrast, inhibited PK attenuates these negative reactions. Furthermore, perceived appropriateness is found to mediate the interaction effects of headline type and persuasion knowledge on readers’ responses. Overall, the findings suggest that clickbait tactics can detrimentally influence consumers’ attitudes, particularly when PK is activated.
  Keywords: clickbait headlines; persuasion knowledge; puffery; mobile news.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10080299
   
  
• Pleasure or purpose: effects of hedonic and eudaimonic motivations on cross-media movie consumption behaviours  
  by Sunghan Ryu, Xiaoyu Chen, Ruqin Ren 
  Abstract: Hedonic and eudaimonic motivations are essential topics in communication literature, specifically in the entertainment context. In light of the distinction between the two motivations, we examine how one’s entertainment motivations could impact their different media choices and how users’ education level moderates the relationships. In a cross-media movie consumption survey targeting young Chinese consumers (N = 1,012), we found a significantly positive effect of hedonic motivation on mobile device use for movie consumption. In contrast, eudaimonic motivation is positively associated with watching movies in theatres. Also, socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between each entertainment consumption motivation and the corresponding movie consumption behaviour. The findings expand our understanding of entertainment consumption motivations in the digital context by linking the motivations to different channel choices. Understanding the roles of different entertainment consumption motivations and socioeconomic status will also provide profound insights for consumer researchers and practitioners in the media and entertainment industries.
  Keywords: hedonic motivation; eudaimonic motivation; entertainment; movie consumption; socio-economic status; theatre; mobile.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2027.10080396