Digital-First Gen: Exploring Online Payment Usage Among Sri Lankan Undergraduates Via TAM+

This study investigates the behavioral factors influencing online payment adoption among Sri Lankan university undergraduates. Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a foundation, the research incorporates Perceived Usefulness (PER), Perceived Ease of Use (EAS), and Awareness (AWA) as independent variables, with Attitude Toward Use (ATT) and Behavioral Intention to Use (BEH) as mediators, and Actual Usage (ACT) as the dependent variable.  A total of 367 valid responses were collected and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. The findings reveal that AWA significantly influences ACT both directly and indirectly through ATT and BEH. PER and EAS, while not having significant direct effects on ACT, positively affect ATT and subsequently BEH, highlighting the mediating role of ATT in shaping behavioral intention. The strongest relationship was observed between ATT and BEH, confirming BEH as the immediate predictor of ACT. Specific indirect effects also support the mediation chain from PER and EAS through ATT and BEH to ACT. These results underscore the importance of increasing awareness and shaping positive attitudes among students to promote digital financial inclusion. The extended TAM model offers theoretical contributions to digital adoption literature and provides practical implications for FinTech developers seeking to enhance online payment usage among young adults in Sri Lanka.