Digital responsibility, temporality and opacity: An experimental study with online narratives

Abstract: Addressing the limitations of traditional views that treat responsibility as a static property, the study approaches responsibility as a dynamic, narrative process shaped by temporal and relational factors. Building on the conceptual foundations of “Rethinking Responsibility in the Digital Age: A Narrative Approach” (MISQ paper by de Vaujany et al., 2025), this experimental study examines how responsibility is constructed and attributed in digital contexts. The study explores how the temporal distance of consequences and the framing of responsibility as collective versus individual influence attribution patterns. By integrating these dimensions, the research aims to advance the IS literature on responsibility and accountability in an increasingly algorithmic and socio-technical world. The work is still in its developmental stage, so feedback is highly appreciated!