What's mine is yours (for a nominal fee) – Exploring the spectrum of utilitarian to altruistic motives for Internet-mediated sharing. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bucher, Eliane; Fieseler, Christian; Lutz, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 62(2016)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Internet-mediated sharing -- Sharing economy -- On-demand economy -- Online platforms -- Collaborative consumption -- Ownership -- Motives; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: In this contribution, we scrutinize the diverse motives for internet-mediated sharing as well as their role in shaping attitudes towards sharing one's possessions in commercialized as well as non-commercialized settings. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative research, we first develop a scale of sharing motives, showing that the reasons for participating in online sharing platforms are more nuanced than previously thought. Second, employing a motivational model of sharing, rooted in the theory of planned behavior, we show that sharing attitudes are driven by moral, social-hedonic and monetary motivations. Furthermore, we identify materialism, sociability and volunteering as predictors of sharing motives in different sharing contexts. Against this background, we explore the possible role of monetary incentives as a necessary but not sufficient condition for sharing one's possessions with others. Highlights: Individuals share out of social-hedonic, moral, and monetary motives. Materialism, sociability and volunteerism predict individual sharing motives. Social-hedonic motives are the strongest predictor of Internet-mediated sharing. Monetary incentives may be necessary but not sufficient for online sharing. Commercial and non-commercial sharers differ substantially in their motives.