Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital age, the integration of technology into daily life has transformed societal norms and introduced complex ethical challenges. This study explores the foundational role of ethics in fostering trust and sustainability within digital ecosystems, where issues of privacy, equity, and trust are increasingly prominent. Our investigation examines the relationship between ethical practices and user trust, drawing insights from a sample of 189 participants in Bahrain. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the study assesses the impact of digital technology capabilities (DTC) and ethical frameworks and foundations (EFF) on trust and sustainability in the digital age (TSD). Findings reveal a statistically notable correlation between EFF and TSD, underscoring the importance of ethical frameworks in maintaining digital trust and promoting sustainable engagement. The model indicates acceptable reliability and fit, though some limitations in convergent validity and sample generalizability are noted. The research offers actionable insights into how technology firms can leverage ethical guidelines to build user trust, contributing to the long-term viability of digital platforms. This work contributes to an emerging discourse on digital ethics, highlighting the importance of a principled approach to digital governance in sustaining the trust of a diverse user base. However, the findings should be interpreted in light of the study’s limitations, including the convenience sample and the cultural specificity of the context. Future research is needed to validate these findings in broader cultural and regulatory contexts.