Prior studies demonstrated that nonmonetary transactions in peer-to-peer
sharing economy exchanges positively influence social capital formation
between strangers, primarily by fostering perceptions of communal sharing
(Fiske, 1991) and interpersonal closeness. In contrast, monetary transactions
have been shown to reinforce market-oriented relational perceptions and lack
positive social effects. The current project investigates whether using money on
sharing economy platforms invariably leads to market pricing relationships or if
certain monetary models could foster the emergence of communal sharing
relations and positively impact platform engagement. The answer to this
question could help platform creators balance operational sustainability with
fostering social capital in the communities they affect. Across three
experiments, we explore the consequences of payment models differing in
forms of monetary involvement. In Experiment 1 (N = 251), three payment
models were examined: Direct Peer-to-Peer Payment, Free Borrowing, and
Subscription with Free Borrowing. Results confirmed that direct monetary
exchanges reinforced MP perceptions, while nonmonetary interactions were
linked to higher CS perceptions. Interestingly, indirect monetary involvement
(i.e., platform fee) evoked a relational framing similar to the Free Borrowing
condition. Experiment 2 (N = 300) extended these findings by testing four
payment models: Subscription with Free Borrowing, Voluntary Donation,
Subscription with Lender Compensation, and Direct Peer-to-Peer Payment.
Direct payments again strengthened MP perceptions, while free borrowing was
associated with the CS relational mode. Surprisingly, direct payment and free
borrowing models both positively influenced adoption intentions, mediated
respectively by MP and CS perceptions, suggesting that while user motivations
are shaped by how payment types frame social interactions, preferences for the
type of interaction differ between individuals. Experiment 3 (N=768)
investigates whether these diverse routes for user engagement depend on
individual differences. Specifically, we are examining whether a person's social value orientation serves as a moderator of the observed effects.