This research investigates the social, legal, and technological factors that affect the adoption of Internet of Things wearable devices (WIoT) among young adults during and before a healthcare crisis. The study develops a technological acceptance model by integrating the Technological-Personal-Environmental (TPE) framework with new constructs, i.e. regulatory environment, epidemic ecosystem, perceived social usefulness, and WIoT devices’ technical characteristics. A research survey is developed and distributed to undergraduate and graduate students in a major university located in the USA. The research hypotheses are tested by using partial least square modeling. Results of the analysis lead to significant contributions for both academics and practitioners.