Financial decision-making in digital societies: An emotion–technology–culture perspective

This narrative integrative review synthesises interdisciplinary studies on financial decision-making to introduce the Emotion-Technology-Culture (ETC) Triad, a conceptual framework. The review is led by three research questions: how emotional processes interact with digital platforms to reconfigure financial behaviour; how cultural context moderates their interactions; and how an integrative framework might capture their triadic interdependence. The review is based on a systematic search of the literature on behavioural finance, neuroeconomics, cultural psychology, and financial technology published between 2001 and 2025. The review shows that fear, greed, anxiety, and excitement are dynamic and social forces rather than isolated cognitive biases. It demonstrates how digitally mediated financial environments can both amplify and regulate emotional responses. It further explains how cultural and religious norms shape risk perception, trust, and emotional expression. While existing reviews address emotion, technology, or culture in isolation, the ETC Triad offers an integrative perspective on the heterogeneity of digital and global financial decision-making. It extends Prospect Theory, dual-process models and other theories to socio-technical mediation and cultural variation. The review provides a systematic future research agenda and outlines implications on ethical fintech design, context-sensitive financial regulation, and culturally responsive financial education.