Augmented intelligence in social engineering attacks: a diffusion of innovation perspective

Kennedy Njenga and Baswabile Matemane
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Kennedy Njenga: Department of Applied Information Systems, University of Johannesburg
Baswabile Matemane: Department of Applied Information Systems, University of Johannesburg

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 2025, vol. 7, issue 1, 106-121

Abstract: This article explores social network site (SNS) users’ understanding of the danger the integration of human intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI), termed “augmented intelligence,†presents. Augmented intelligence, a subsection of artificial intelligence (AI), aims to enhance human intelligence with AI and is heralded as a significant step in problem-solving. A crucial concern is the profound threat to SNS users’ information security. A quantitative approach examined SNS understanding regarding the diffusion of augmented intelligence into SNS users’ spaces. An online survey was administered to 165 SNS users residing in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory was used as the theoretical lens. Ethical clearance was obtained, and the data collected was anonymized and kept confidential. The article provides new insights that can help SNS users understand that a new threat to their information security in the form of augmented intelligence is emerging. Findings suggest that out of the five constructs drawn from DOI that explain the diffusion of augmented intelligence into sophisticated social engineering attacks, relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity were perceived by study participants as likely predictors of augmented intelligence adoption. Users, however, differed on exactly how the augmentation process was being achieved. Key Words:Augmented intelligence, artificial intelligence, information security, social network site (SNS) users

Date: 2025
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