Understanding factors affecting users’ social networking site continuance: A gender difference perspective

Analysing how AI-powered chatbots influence destination decisions

This study aims to explore the role of destination chatbots as innovative tools in travel planning, focusing on their ability to enhance user experiences and influence decision-making processes. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, Enterprise Content Management, and Information Systems Security models, the study examines the psychological, emotional, and technological factors that drive user satisfaction, continued use, and intention to visit a destination. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving chatbot design and optimizing their implementation in the tourism industry. A total of 312 responses were collected from university students who regularly engage in tourism-related activities. The survey employed a structured questionnaire with items measuring information quality, user satisfaction, perceived enjoyment, usefulness, and behavioral intentions using a 7-point Likert scale. Structural equation modelling [SEM] was used to analyze the relationships between constructs, allowing us to evaluate the validity and reliability of the model. The results reveal that information quality positively enhances user satisfaction, perceived enjoyment, and perceived usefulness. Moreover, perceived enjoyment and usefulness are critical psychological and emotional drivers influencing users' decision to continue utilizing chatbots. Additionally, the analysis highlights the intention to continue using destination chatbots as a strong predictor of tourists' intention to visit the destination. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of technology acceptance and user behavior in tourism, while providing practical insights for destination managers and developers to enhance chatbot features and improve traveler engagement.

Examining Texting in the Classroom Between Adolescents Without and With Learning Disabilities: Do Classroom Climate and Academic Boredom Matter?

The present study investigated texting in the classroom through written (SMS) and instant (social media) messages comparatively between adolescents without and with LD. Also, applying the Social Cognitive Theory, the role of perceived classroom climate and academic boredom in texting in the classroom was co-examined through an explanatory mediation model. Overall, 439 students (59% girls) without LD and 408 students (47% girls) with LD, who both attended randomly selected Greek junior high schools of Mainstream Education and used a mobile phone, completed self-reported scales about the variables involved with reference to the Modern Greek language course. The results showed that texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) was above average for both student subgroups, regardless of their gender. However, within a comparative perspective, texting in the classroom through instant (social media) messages was higher for students with LD. Furthermore, in the relationship between perceived classroom climate and texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) academic boredom proved a full mediator for students without LD and a partial mediator for students with LD. The findings imply the need for psychoeducational interventions in the context of specific school courses, to strengthen differentiated dimensions of psychosocial classroom climate for adolescents without and with LD. Thus, positive academic emotions and minimized disruptive texting in the classroom could be achieved.

Socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 experiences predict perceived social support and social media engagement among college students in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

This study examined socio-demographic characteristics and COVID-19 experiences as concurrent predictors of perceived familial and friend social support, social media use, and socio-emotional motives for electronic communication during the COVID-19 pandemic among college students.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 619 emerging adults (18-29-year-olds) currently enrolled at, or recently graduated from, a U.S.-based college or university (Mean age = 21.8, SD = 2.2; 64% female; 60% Non-Hispanic White).

METHODS

Online surveys were administered between May and June 2020. A path analysis model was conducted to examine the concurrent associations between socio-demographic factors, COVID-19-related experiences, social media/electronic engagement, and perceived social support.

RESULTS

Findings indicated significant differences in perceived social support, social media use, and socio-emotional motives for electronic communication as a function of gender, race, sexual orientation, first-generation status, and relationship status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the role of both individual and situational differences in interpersonal functioning and demonstrate how college students differently engaged with social media for socio-emotional purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring the Relationship Between Avatar Ego Types and Communication: A Comparative Study of South Korea and the United States Based on the Expectation Confirmation Model

This research explores the significance of avatar communication in the virtual world, where individuals can create new identities and establish relationships beyond real-world limitations. Avatar users engage in virtual interactions to fulfill their desires, enjoy entertainment, and experience surrogate satisfaction. This study integrates the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and Impression Management Theory (IMT) to investigate the impact of various avatar ego types on communication satisfaction and continued intention to use. Two surveys (n = 600) were administered using South Korean and American samples. The results suggest a significant relationship between expectancy confirmation and perceived usefulness. Specifically, high perceived usefulness leads to increased communication satisfaction. Also, when pre-experience expectancy confirmation is low, it positively affects communication satisfaction. In addition, the study highlights differences between Western and Eastern cultural contexts in avatar ego type's expression. This study contributes to the understanding of virtual interactions, offering theoretical insights through the integration of ECM and IMT. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Determining information system end-user satisfaction and continuance intension with a unified modeling approach

With the different characters of datatypes and large amount of data going to be managed in open-source database, localization to the specific linguistics is the major concern in Ethiopia, as the nation used different datatypes compared to the Gregorian systems. In this regard Amharic localization in open-source database can handle the difficulties in managing data for governmental and non-governmental organizations. Amharic Extension Module was introduced to governmental organizations for the data management capabilities. But, there is no research that can explore the system's quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of both computer literates and illiterates. Therefore, this research work attempt or try to empirically examine and analyze the system quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of all users in POESSA The major purpose/aim of this study/research is to brand or make up the research break/gap in the area of localization specific to the Amharic locals, and to show the implication of the practical and theoretical way based on the results of the research. For this purpose, questionnaires were used for the collection of the research data. A total of 395 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and 385 of them are collected without any problem from the organization indicated herewith. The statistical analysis tools such as SPSS and AMOS, and methods such as Structural equation model were used for the analysis of the research data. The results of the research recommended and suggested that system quality can significantly influence confirmation. Meanwhile, confirmation can directly and significantly influence perceived usefulness, performance expectations, and satisfaction. Additionally, performance expectation, perceived usefulness and confirmation can significantly impact/influence satisfaction. The satisfaction directly and most importantly and significantly influences the continuance intension. Finally, the research delivers/provides a concert indication for the legitimacy and validity of the integrated and combined models of UTUAT, ECTM, and D&M ISS in the field of localizations which can be a hypothetical and theoretical foundation for Amharic Extension Module-AEM users' and services of it.

Comparative Analysis of Social Networks in Institutionalized Older Adults versus Aging-in-Place Scenarios

(1) Background: This research aims to compare social networks among institutionalized and aging-in-place (AIP) older adults through the validation of a new questionnaire. (2) Methods: The cross-sectional study included 100 older adults (mean age: 73.53 ± 5.49 years; age range: 65-85 years), with 48 institutionalized subjects and 52 AIP subjects. We developed, validated, and administered a new questionnaire, the Social Network Assessment for Older People Questionnaire (SNAOPQ), to assess older adults' social networks using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. (3) Results: The SNAOPQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and McDonald's omega of 0.91). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between variables, highlighting differences in social networks between institutionalized and AIP individuals (p ≤ 0.001). Sociodemographic factors like age, education, living arrangement status, and number of descendants significantly influenced SNAOPQ scores (p ≤ 0.001). Age and residence type notably impacted participants' scores, indicating reduced social network size with age. Tertiary education and living in a couple were associated with more extensive social networks, while a higher number of descendants correlated with social network expansion. (4) Conclusions: Our study highlights significant differences in social networks among older adults based on residence type, emphasizing the impact of sociodemographic factors such as age, education, living arrangement, and the number of descendants.

Enabling and Inhibiting Factors of the Continuous Use of Mobile Short Video APP: Satisfaction and Fatigue as Mediating Variables Respectively

Purpose

The short video APP has entered the stage of competition for stock, making it crucial to keep users engaged in their APP to promote continuous usage. Previous studies on the continuous use intention of mobile short video APP were relatively limited, with most studies focusing only on promoting factors. Therefore, based on the dual-factor theory of "enabling-inhibiting", and drawing on the Information System Continuance Model (ECM-ISC) and Cognitive Load Theory, this study extracted two variables, satisfaction and fatigue, to construct an integrated model to explore their enabling and inhibiting effects on continuous use intention.

Methods

This study selected TikTok APP users as the respondents, obtained 681 valid questionnaires and analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS24.0 and Amos23.0 software.

Findings

The study investigated the factors that influence users' continuous use intention of short video APP. It shows that in enabling mechanism, perceived usefulness and social influence will increase user satisfaction and thus promote their continuous use intention, and perceived playfulness has a direct effect on the continuous use intention. In inhibiting mechanism, information overload and communication overload are positively correlated with emotional fatigue, which further reduces the continuous use intention.

Contribution/Conclusion

Based on the dual-factor theory of "enabling-inhibiting", the study established an integration model to more comprehensively reveal the impact mechanism of short video APP users' continuous use intention. The study found that the fatigue caused by information and communication overload can inhibit users' continuous use intention of short video APP. Therefore, to improve users' continuous use intention, short video APP should not only increase users' satisfaction but also reduce the fatigue caused by overload.

Factors that impacted mobile-payment adoption in China during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is a potential paradigm for explaining technology adoption and can be applied to a wide range of scenarios. During the COVID-19 (C-19) outbreak in China, mobile-payment platforms (Mpayment) were used extensively in everyday life because they allowed people to avoid direct and indirect connections during transactions, adhere to social-distancing guidelines, and support social-economic stabilization. By exploring the technological and psychological variables that influenced user Mpayment-adoption intentions during the C-19 pandemic, this study broadens the literature on technology adoption in emergency circumstances and expands the UTAUT. A total of 593 complete samples were collected online, with SPSS used for data analysis. The empirical findings reveal that performance expectancy, trust, perceived security, and social influence all had a significant influence on Mpayment acceptance during the C-19 outbreak, with social distancing having the greatest impact, followed by fear of C-19. Interestingly, perceived-effort expectancy had a negative influence on payment acceptance. These findings suggest that future studies should apply the expanded model to different countries and areas to investigate the impact of the C-19 pandemic on Mpayment acceptance.

Gender Differences in the Nonspecific and Health-Specific Use of Social Media Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Trend Analysis Using HINTS 2017-2020 Data

The use of social media has changed since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about the gender disparity in social media use for nonspecific and health-specific issues before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a gender difference perspective, this study aimed to examine how the nonspecific and health-specific uses of social media changed in 2017-2020. The data came from the Health Information National Trends Survey Wave 5 Cycle 1-4. This study included 10,426 participants with complete data. Compared to 2017, there were higher levels of general use in 2019 and 2020, and an increased likelihood of health-related use in 2020 was reported among the general population. Female participants were more likely to be nonspecific and health-specific users than males. Moreover, the relationship of gender with general use increased in 2019 and 2020; however, concerning health-related use, it expanded in 2019 but narrowed in 2020. The COVID-19 global pandemic led to increased use of social media, especially for health-related issues among males. These findings further our understanding of the gender gap in health communication through social media, and contribute to targeted messaging to promote health and reduce disparities between different groups during the pandemic.

Social Networking Use Across Gender: Its Association with Social Connectedness and Happiness Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the increasing popularity of social networking platforms, it serves a greater purpose that is no longer contained simply as a means of social leisure. Social networking sites (SNSs) form and maintain social interactions. Various phenomena revolve around how this usage is associated with certain behaviors, such as keeping social ties online and affecting well-being. It is vital to understand how SNSs may affect users differently during this time, viewing this in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Moreover, studies have also suggested that gender plays a role in these behaviors. The present study investigated SNS use and showed evidence of its association with social connectedness and happiness across gender during the COVID-19 pandemic. We empirically examined the association of social networking use with the sense of social connectedness and state of happiness among 420 Generation Z Filipinos (31.4% male) aged 18 to 27. We found that social networking use is not associated with either social connectedness or happiness. Multiple-sample path analysis was performed to investigate further the association between social networking site use, social connectedness, and happiness across gender. SNS use for male participants during stress-related periods predicted decreased social connectedness and happiness levels. General motives for use, or reasons people are likely to use SNSs, also predicted reduced happiness levels among males. Overall, the findings suggest that SNS use by itself may not be sufficient to influence substantial change in social connectedness and happiness and that gender alter the ways of SNS use, given its importance as a crucial channel for communication at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis of the extrinsic and intrinsic aspects of the technology acceptance model associated with the learning management system during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of extrinsic aspects of the technology acceptance model, namely, information quality, functionality, accessibility, user interface design, system quality, functionality, facilitating conditions and computer playfulness as well as intrinsic aspects, namely, perceived self-efficacy, enjoyment and learning goals. orientation on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in the context of the learning management system (LMS) as a system to support employee learning and development. This study also analyzes the effect of perceived ease of use on perceived usefulness and analyzes the effect of these two variables on the intention to adopt a LMS. This study included 3,205 respondents who are employees of banking companies in Indonesia and who used the LMS for their learning and self-development needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a quantitative study that uses online surveys to collect data and partial least squares statistical tools to analyze survey data.

Findings

The results showed that accessibility alone had no effect on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, while enjoyment had no effect on the intention to use LMS and perceived ease of use and functionality had no effect on the intention to use LMS.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on the concept of technology acceptance with extrinsic and intrinsic aspects. This research context involves employees working in the banking sector with the adoption of the LMS.

Practical implications

LMS in banking companies can be optimized by providing online training and reducing the operational costs of employee training. By using LMS, companies can offer online courses to employees and track progress in distance learning, become a learning choice and information dissemination during the pandemic and also support future business continuity.

Originality/value

This study focuses on testing the technology adoption model on LMSs in the banking sector by adding extrinsic aspects, namely, system quality, facilitating conditioning, computer playfulness and user interface design, and combining intrinsic aspects, namely, perceived self-efficacy, enjoyment and learning goal orientation.

Determinants of the Mobile Health Continuance Intention of Elders with Chronic Diseases: An Integrated Framework of ECM-ISC and UTAUT

With the deepening of population aging in China, chronic diseases are a major public health concern that threatens the life and health of nationals. Mobile health or mHealth can effectively monitor chronic diseases, which holds vital significance to the alleviation of social pressure caused by aging. To patients with chronic diseases, mHealth cannot give full play to its value, only when it is used in the long term. However, there is not yet research exploring mHealth continuance intention from the perspective of elders with chronic diseases. So, this research represents the first attempt to empirically analyze mHealth continuance intention from the perspective of elders with chronic diseases. The purpose of this research is to make up the research gap of the mHealth field and to put forward theoretical and practical implications based on research results. To obtain research data, a questionnaire was conducted. A total of 926 copies were collected online and 527 copies were collected offline. The structural equation model (SEM) was used for data analysis. Research results suggest that confirmation can significantly influence satisfaction, performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Meanwhile, confirmation and performance expectancy can significantly influence satisfaction. Additionally, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions can directly and significantly influence continuance intention. Among them, performance expectancy can directly influence continuance intention in the most significant way. This research provides solid evidence for the validity of the integrated model of ECM-ISC and UTAUT in the mHealth field, which can be a theoretical basis for mHealth operators' product R&D.

Factors influencing vocational college students’ creativity in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: The group comparison between male and female

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced higher education institutions to shift their teaching activities from traditional face-to-face to online learning. This brings a great challenge to the creativity training of vocational college students, who not only learn theoretical knowledge but also cultivate technical skills. Therefore, it is very important to explore the influencing factors of online learning on students’ creativity during the epidemic. By relying on the related literature review, an extensive model is developed by integrating the expectation confirmation model (ECM), technology task fit model (TTF), and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to illustrate key factors that influence creativity. Based on the proposed model, theory-based hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling employing empirical data gathered through a survey questionnaire of 229 students from different vocational colleges in China. In addition, to extend the analysis results, this paper performs a comparative analysis based on gender. The findings demonstrate that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influence knowledge sharing; knowledge sharing significantly affects creativity. However, there is no substantial relationship between perceived usefulness and attitude, and no relationship between attitude and knowledge sharing. Moreover, a multi-group comparison shows that there is a significant gender difference between perceived ease of use and attitude. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

The role of emotional attachment in IPA continuance intention: an emotional attachment model

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional attachment (EA) and intelligent personal assistant (IPA) continuance intention. While existing theories emphasize purely rational and goal-oriented factors in terms of information technology (IT) continuance intention, this research examines how users' EA toward technology impacts their continuance intention in the absence of cognitive and habitual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study contextualizes attachment theory from the social psychology/consumer psychology literature to an IT application and formulates and tests a new model that is proposed in the context of IPA continuance. Five research hypotheses developed from contextualization and application of the theory were posited in a structural model and empirically validated using survey results from IPA users.

Findings

The results show that users' EA to IPA use significantly influences their IPA continuance intention, along with emotional trust and interaction quality with the IPA.

Originality/value

This study contextualizes attachment theory developed in the social psychology/consumer psychology literature to formulate and test a new model in the context of IPA continuance. This work contributes to the theoretical understanding by investigating IPA continuance intention in the absence of cognitive or habitual factors and fills a critical research gap in IT post-adoption literature. IPA is just one example of technologies to which individuals can form attachments and this research provides an important foundation for future research by positing and testing the value of EA in IT post-adoption behavior. This research also contributes to practical knowledge by inferring that IPA manufacturers, managers and vendors could extend their revenue streams by integrating product features that capture emotion.

Examining Online Health Community Users' Information Adoption Intention

Due to the doubt on information credibility, users often hesitate to adopt the health information posted on online health communities (OHC). This may undermine the sustainable development of OHC. The purpose of this research is to identify the determinants of OHC users’ information adoption intention. The results indicated that both information factors and social interaction affect the adoption intention. Information factors include argument quality and source credibility, whereas social interaction includes perceived similarity and familiarity. The results imply that OHC need to ensure information quality and support users’ interaction in order to facilitate their information adoption.

Moderating effects of opportunity on the cognitive and motivational factors of internet engagement

This study investigates usage behaviour as a variation in internet engagement by integrating the concept of access gaps with the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) framework. The research model was tested with data collected from 270 respondents in Klang Valley, which is the most urbanised metropolis in Malaysia. The result of path modelling analysis revealed that the cognitive factor of internet skill has the most significant effect on internet engagement. Besides, the significant effects of opportunity and extrinsic motivation on engagement were confirmed. Intrinsic motivation has no significant impact on engagement, but it has a significant interaction effect with opportunity. Thus, the lack of opportunity to access the internet does not limit the frequent engagement of the intrinsically motivated user. This study offers a systematic explanation of the underlying mechanism for the interaction among the access gaps and an alternative model in explaining the determinants of internet users’ behaviour.

An Examination of the Influences of Habit, Compatibility, and Experience on the Continued Use of Short-Form Video-Sharing Services

Short-form video-sharing services (SVSs) have rapidly grown in popularity in the recent years. Some evidence suggests that because users can quickly and easily create and consume on-demand content, SVSs are addictive, and they appeal to a wide audience. The literature describing this phenomenon is scant. In order to fill this gap, this study examines the roles of habit and compatibility on SVS continuance intention and the interaction of these relationships with user experience, using TikTok as a context. To this goal, data collected from 157 university-student TikTok users are analyzed using structural equation modeling to determine whether these factors shape their continuance decisions. The findings show that habit and compatibility positively affect continuance intention, while experience does not. The paper offers practical steps to increase continuance intention of current users. This study enhances SVS research by confirming that habit and compatibility are important influences on continuance usage decisions.

Understanding the factors of mobile payment continuance intention: empirical test in an African context

Few studies have been conducted about individuals' continuance to use m-payment, especially in an African context. This study investigates the continuance intention to use m-payment, employing two theoretical models: the DeLone and McLean information system (D&M IS) success model and the expectation-confirmation model (ECM) in an African context. We collected 338 questionnaires through an online survey to evaluate and validate the proposed theoretical model, using partial least squares - structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our results indicate that the most important predictors of continuance intention to use m-payment are individual performance, use, and satisfaction. The results present useful insight to understand continuance intentions toward mobile payment in an African context. The integration of D&M IS success model, and the ECM model is to allow us to understand the main factors affecting the continuance intention to use mobile payment in the African context. By combining these two models we show how to compensate for and complement the weaknesses and strengths of the models, solidifying our findings of continuance intention with a stronger model that is otherwise not possible.

Effects of social attachment on social media continuous usage intention: The mediating role of affective commitment

BACKGROUND: Social attachment has been identified as a key antecedent motivating users’ social media involvement. However, there is a scarcity of research investigating whether and how three dimensions of social attachment exert impacts on users’ continuous usage intention of social media. OBJECTIVE: Based on structural equation model analysis, the current research clarifies the relationships between social attachment, affective commitment and social media continuous usage intention, which unveils the underlying mechanism through which three dimensions of social attachment influence users’ continuous usage intention of social media. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 536 informative responses obtained from TikTok public users for hypothesis testing analysis. RESULTS: Results indicate that three dimensions of social attachment (social connections, social dependence and social identity) are all positively related to users’ continuous usage intention of social media. Affective commitment partially mediates the relationship between social attachment and users’ continuous usage intention of social media. CONCLUSIONS: The current research makes an in-depth study about the underlying mechanism whereby social attachment exerts impacts on social media continuous usage intentionand provides several managerial and theoretical implications. Future research directions are discussed as well.

Modeling collaborative consumption by extending self-determination theory: an emerging economy perspective

Purpose

This paper aims to cognizance consumers' intention to participate in collaborative consumption (CC). Also, the gender difference regarding the above is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

To quantify the consumers’ intention to participate in CC cross-sectional survey method has been used. In total, 333 potential consumers selected through convenience sampling participated in the survey. The study used the capabilities of the structured equation modelling technique to validate the proposed research model.

Findings

Except for hedonic motives, all other drivers such as reputation, economic benefits, sustainable motives and trust have a significant influence on the intention to participate in CC. The effect of gender was found on the relationship between Trust and Intentions only.

Practical implications

This study can be used as a guiding path in the domain of CC for practitioners, marketers, startups and policymakers as the opinion of potential users has been reported. The results of the study highlight that the consumers’ interest in CC participation and social reputation are the most influential drivers of intention to participate in CC. Marketers should design their strategies in such a way that the individual should feel like a social hero rather than just a responsible consumer while participating in CC.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the literature by examining the intention to participate in CC through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT), specifically in the Indian context. The authors have also extended the SDT by adding a trust factor that is best to their knowledge not integrated till now. The present study integrated cognitive, economic, psychological and relational aspects to understand CC behavior.

Understanding the disclosure of personal data online

Purpose

Social media has created a new level of interconnected communication. However, the use of online platforms brings about various ways in which a user’s personal data can be put at risk. This study aims to investigate what drives the disclosure of personal information online and whether an increase in awareness of the value of personal information motivates users to safeguard their information.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen university students participated in a mixed-methods experiment, where responses to Likert-type scale items were combined with responses to interview questions to provide insight into the cost–benefit analysis users conduct when disclosing information online.

Findings

Overall, the findings indicate that users are able to disregard their concerns due to a resigned and apathetic attitude towards privacy. Furthermore, subjective norms enhanced by fear of missing out (FOMO) further allows users to overlook potential risks to their information in order to avoid social isolation and sanction. Alternatively, an increased awareness of the personal value of information and having experienced a previous privacy violation encourage the protection of information and limited disclosure.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into privacy and information disclosure on social media in South Africa. To the knowledge of the researchers, this is the first study to include a combination of the theory of planned behaviour and the privacy calculus model, together with the antecedent factors of personal valuation of information, trust in the social media provider, FOMO.

Examining online health community users’ sharing behaviour: A social influence perspective

Online health communities (OHC) provide a platform for users to exchange health-related information and seek emotional support. However, users often lack the intention to share their knowledge, which may lead to the failure of OHC. Drawing on the social influence theory, this research examined OHC users’ sharing behaviour. The results indicated that users’ sharing intention is influenced by three social influence factors, which include subjective norm, social identity and group norm. In addition, social support and privacy concern have effects on these three social influence factors. The results imply that OHC need to leverage social influence in order to facilitate users’ sharing behaviour.

Self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Although many studies show that self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms are positively and significant correlated, others reveal some different findings. To clarify this line of research, this study further investigates the effect of self-efficacy on continuance intention and meanwhile examines some moderating variables in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis method was employed to examine the literature containing quantitative measurements of both self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms. A total of 31 effects sizes (N = 9,084) were reviewed.

Findings

The results indicate medium-sized positive correlation between self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms. Further moderation analysis shows that such medium-sized link differed across measures of Web 2.0 platform types, target respondent differences and gender of participants. Specifically, this correlation is largest for transaction-socialization platforms and smallest for experience-socialization platforms. For university-student respondents, the role of self-efficacy in affecting continuance intention is less important than general members of Web 2.0 platforms. Finally, as the percentage of female participants increases, a weaker effect size will be observed.

Originality/value

This study clarifies empirical research regarding users' self-efficacy and their continuance intention. Meanwhile, sources of inter-study variability have been identified by addressing moderator variables in the relationship between self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms, which provides directions for future explorations in this area.

Understanding content sharing on the internet: test of a cognitive-affective-conative model

Purpose

With the prevalence of user-generated content on the internet, this study aims to propose a cognitive-affective-conative model to examine how users create and share their content online. The moderating role of gender differences is also tested in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects a representative sample of 873 internet users via a nation-wide survey in Taiwan.

Findings

The results show that hedonic value has a positive impact on internet satisfaction, and social value affects life satisfaction and internet satisfaction positively. Both life satisfaction and internet satisfaction are positively related to content sharing on the internet. In particular, the positive effect of life satisfaction on online content sharing is greater for male users than for female users.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating online content sharing behavior from the cognitive-affective-conative perspective. This study also provides a better understanding of this behavior by simultaneously examining life satisfaction and internet satisfaction as two underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, gender differences play an important role in determining content sharing on the internet.

Practical implications

For digital marketing practitioners, this study suggests several online editing and social mechanisms for encouraging users' engagement in content sharing behavior on the internet.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first that examines a cognitive-affective-conative framework of content sharing behavior on the internet. This study also demonstrates boundary conditions of this framework by testing the moderating role of gender differences.

Understanding Users' Contributions in Open Source Software Communities

User contributions are crucial to the success of open source software (OSS) communities. As users conduct frequent interactions between each other, their contribution behaviour may receive the social influence from other members. Drawing on the social influence theory, this research examined user contributions in OSS communities. The results indicated that contribution intention is significantly affected by social identity, which includes cognitive, affective and evaluative identity. In addition, the researchers found that the subjective norm has a negative effect on contribution intention. The results imply that service providers need to enhance user identification with the community in order to facilitate their contribution in OSS communities.

Assessing the Role of Simplicity in the Continuous Use of Mobile Apps

The proliferation of smartphones has provided a huge market for mobile apps and created a massive industry for developers/designers creating various mobile apps for use in our daily activities. However, with many mobile apps competition for users attention, the continued use of these apps has become a growing concern as users easily dump one app for another even after just a single use. This study examined the role of simplicity in the continuance use of mobile apps. The study extended the ECM with simplicity and showed that simplicity had a significant direct positive influence on confirmations, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction as well as a significant total indirect effect on continuance intentions. Additionally, all the ECM proposed relationships were confirmed. The study extends the current literature on continuance use of mobile apps by demonstrating the relevance of a concrete factor that developers/designs can manipulate to improve the continuance use for their mobile apps.

Information confusion and intention to stop using social networking site: a moderated mediation study of psychological distress and perceived novelty

Purpose

People are living in a very rich and diversified information world. However, they are facing an explosion of information on social networking site (SNS) bombarding them every day. People get confused when they expose to similar, overloaded, ambiguous and misleading information. Unfortunately, the effect of information confusion on users' psychological outcome and behavioral intention has been absent in prior literature. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between information confusion and users' intention to stop using SNS with a moderated mediation effect of psychological distress and perceived novelty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses questionnaire survey to collect a sample data of 380 Facebook users in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling is used to test hypotheses in this study.

Findings

Empirical results show that information confusion has a positive influence on stop using intention. Furthermore, psychological distress is found to have a mediating effect in the link between information confusion and stop using intention. In addition, perceived novelty moderates the relationship between psychological distress and stop using intention. Perceived novelty also moderates the indirect effect of information confusion on stop using intention through psychological distress.

Originality/value

The influence of information confusion on users' psychological outcomes and behavioral intention has not been determined in prior literature. This study is one of the first studies that provide empirical evidence to clarify the relationship between information confusion and users' intention to stop using SNS. Furthermore, this study helps to clarify the mediating and moderating mechanism of psychological distress and perceived novelty in this relationship. By investigating the issue of information confusion and its impact on users in SNS environment, this study provides implications for researchers and practitioners regarding management and development of SNS.

The effect of information privacy concern on users' social shopping intention

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of information privacy concern on users' social shopping intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the 340 valid responses collected from a survey, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the research model.

Findings

The results indicated that while disposition to privacy positively affects privacy concern, both reputation and laws negatively affect privacy concern, which in turn decreases social shopping intention. In addition, trust partially mediates the effect of privacy concern on social shopping intention.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that social commerce companies need to mitigate users' privacy concern in order to facilitate their shopping behavior.

Originality/value

This research disclosed that privacy concern receives a tripartite influence from users (disposition to privacy), platforms (reputation) and governments (laws). The results help us gain a complete understanding of information privacy concern mitigation in social shopping.

Unlocking the smart home: exploring key factors affecting the smart lock adoption intention

Purpose

This study examines the factorial structure of salient user beliefs associated with smart locks. We also examine the predictive value of the identified constructs on the smart lock adoption intention and we evaluate gender differences in the predictive value of the identified constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assumes pragmatic epistemological stance and it leverages mixed-methods research design. The research progresses through three stages: belief elicitation, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis within a nomological network. New groups of participants were recruited for each stage of the study.

Findings

We find that while potential adopters express a broad range of perceived benefits and concerns associated with smart locks, only the perceived relative advantage of smart locks vis-à-vis conventional locks in providing safety and security is significantly correlated with adoption intention for both genders. We also find that perceived novel benefits are a significant predictor of the smart lock adoption intention for women, but not for men.

Research limitations/implications

Our results indicate that perceived relative advantage can be the singular critical consideration in the adoption of smart home technologies that replace incumbent solutions. The results also demonstrate that gender-specific models can better capture gender effects that influence technology adoption and use.

Practical implications

Smart home technology vendors would need to convince prospective users that new technology is better than the incumbent solutions on the core affordances of the incumbent technology. Men and women differ in the consideration of novel benefits afforded by novel technologies.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to examine salient beliefs that affect smart home technology adoption. The findings suggest that the traditional models (TAM, UTAUT) do not capture the key salient beliefs that can influence innovative smart home technology adoption. The study also suggests that gendered models are needed to understand technology adoption in contexts where technology adoption intersects with gender roles.

Demographic and attitudinal antecedents of consumers' use and self-investment trajectories over time in an online TV content platform

Purpose

To investigate if online TV content platforms create value for consumers (and increase use) by offering its users the possibility to self-invest in the service (by giving personal content preferences). We link demographic and attitudinal antecedents to the relation between self-investment and use.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected together with a Belgian media company (N = 4,136). To test the effects a latent growth model was composed in a multigroup setting with gender as the grouping variable. The model is analyzed through structural equation modeling in Mplus 8.0.

Findings

In general, strong relations between self-investment and increased use were found, although the effect of self-investment on use was stronger for female consumers. Furthermore, we established strong hedonic effects on using and investing in the service. For men, easy to use platforms lead to less self-investment.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings are restricted to free services. Furthermore, attitudinal variables are antecedents of behaviors. However, a more complex interplay between behavioral and attitudinal variables is possible. Further research could use repeatedly measured attitudinal measures and link these to behaviors over time.

Practical implications

Service developers could offer different platform interactions to different segments to create consumer value. Women seem more receptive for extra functionalities, such as the possibility to indicate preferences. Men mainly focus on the content offered.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a new form of media distribution, online TV content platforms, where we investigate two related behaviors of users over time (self-investment and use) instead of a general approximation of use. Multi-source data were used.

How to improve users' intentions to continued usage of shared bicycles: A mixed method approach

Sharing the use of a bicycle in China has changed people’s daily travel modes. Existing studies mainly explored the factors affecting individuals’ initial intentions to start using a shared bicycle, but few looked at the likelihood that a user would continue using one. Based on a post-acceptance model of information system (IS) continuance, this investigation proposed a research model to investigate factors influencing riders’ intentions to continued usage of shared bikes. Analysis involved structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on data from 376 shared bicycle riders. The results from SEM showed that perceived usefulness, service quality, riders’ habits, overall satisfaction and the nature of the weather were the most important factors positively influencing users’ intentions to continue bike sharing. The results from fsQCA showed that six combinations of these variables were sufficient to explain continued usage. The conclusions of this study can be useful for operators to improve shared bicycle services.