Navigating Digital Vulnerability: Unpacking the Influence of Negative Security News on DANA E-Wallet Usage in Surabaya

Abstract

The rapid expansion of financial technology in Indonesia has heightened user exposure to media coverage regarding digital vulnerability and data insecurity, directly affecting consumer confidence. Grounded in Agenda-Setting Theory and Trust Theory, this study examines the influence of exposure to negative security news on consumer decisions to use the DANA e-wallet in Surabaya. Employing a quantitative research design, empirical data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed to e-wallet users across Surabaya. Data were analyzed using simple linear regression to measure the direct effect of media exposure on adoption behavior, alongside independent samples t-tests to evaluate variance in risk perception between new and established users. The statistical findings reveal that exposure to negative security news exerts a significant inverse effect on DANA e-wallet usage decisions, indicating that intensified media reporting on data breaches amplifies perceived risk and suppresses usage intent. Additionally, the comparative analysis indicates that new users exhibit greater sensitivity to security news than long-term users. These results underscore the pivotal role of media framing in shaping digital trust and offer practical implications for FinTech providers seeking to strengthen cybersecurity communication and customer retention in competitive urban markets.