A study on the mechanisms by which the adoption of smart city technologies impacts the sustainable lifestyles of urban residents

¹ School of Intelligent Transportation and Intelligent Construction Engineering, Huanghe Jiaotong University, Wuzhi, Henan, 454950, China
² Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
³ Intelligent Transportation and New Quality Productive Forces Research Institute, Jiaozuo, Henan, 454950, China
⁴ Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Annita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Bengaluru, India
⁵ Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin (RMUTR), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 19 June 2026

Abstract

With accelerating urbanization and increasing pressure for sustainable development, smart city technologies are seen as a crucial means to drive urban transformation. However, how these technologies influence residents' sustainable lifestyles remains largely unexplored. This study, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TBA), constructs a theoretical model to examine the relationship between smart city technology adoption and residents' willingness to engage in sustainable behavior. Structural equation modeling analysis of questionnaire data shows a good model fit, with reliability and validity reaching ideal levels. Perceived usefulness, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have significant positive impacts on residents' attitudes and willingness towards sustainable behavior. This research not only expands the application boundaries of TBA in the context of smart cities but also provides empirical evidence for relevant policy-making, contributing to the promotion of sustainable urban development