Yili Chu

In the digital economy era, the widespread use of smartphones has brought about new information security threats, increasing the risk of data leakage from personal devices. Digital literacy, defined as the skills and knowledge needed to navigate digital life effectively, offers new perspectives and motivation for safeguarding personal information security. This study investigates the relationship between digital literacy and smartphone users’ intention to protect their information security. Drawing on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT), a theoretical model was developed to examine both the direct and indirect effects of digital literacy on users’ information security protection intentions. Questionnaire data from 372 smartphone users in China were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results reveal that digital literacy has a significant positive impact on users’ response efficacy, self-efficacy, and their intention to protect information security. Moreover, digital literacy influences protection intention indirectly through self-efficacy and response efficacy. However, perceived threat, although positively influenced by digital literacy, does not have a significant effect on users’ protection intention. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and businesses in promoting a secure mobile environment and provides practical recommendations for enhancing personal information security in the digital age.