Seniors' usage of mobile social network sites: Applying theories of innovation diffusion and uses and gratifications. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Myung Ja; Lee, Choong-Ki; Contractor, Noshir S.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 90(2019)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Mobile social network sites -- Innovation diffusion theory -- Uses and gratifications theory -- Purchase/non-purchase -- Senior -- Tourism; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Seniors are substantial users of mobile devices to communicate and participate in mobile social network sites (MSNS) to interact, but there has been little theoretically based understanding of what motivates seniors' use of MSNS for tourism. To bridge the gap, this study applied the theory of the diffusion of innovations as well as the theory of uses and gratifications to explain why seniors use MSNS. Key explanatory variables included site attachment and authentic experience. Results indicate that the effect of innovation diffusion on authentic experience was greater than on site attachment. The effect of uses and gratifications was also greater on authentic experience than on site attachment. In addition, this study examined the moderating role between purchase and non-purchase groups. The effects of uses and gratifications on site attachment and authentic experience were stronger in the purchase group than in the nonpurchase group, while on the other hand, the effects of innovation diffusion on site attachment and authentic experience were stronger in the non-purchase group than in the purchase group The findings of this study suggest theoretical and practical implications for senior MSNS usage in the tourism domain. Highlights: Seniors participate extensively in mobile social network sites (MSNS). Innovation diffusion and uses/gratifications explain the use of MSNS among seniors. Innovation diffusion significantly influences seniors' authentic experience on MSNS. Uses/gratifications significantly influence seniors' authentic experience on MSNS. There is a significant difference between purchase and non-purchase groups on MSNS.