A study on the antecedents of continuance intention in mobile social network sites : focusing on the baby boomers and older adults

Abstract

The widespread use of Social Network Services (SNSs) as a new means of communication with the development of the mobile and wireless technology is causing expansion of SNSs users range from the younger generation to the older generation. SNSs can be beneficial for older generations to strengthen their social networks by activating communication through the service. However, very little empirical research has been conducted about SNSs use for the older users, while much SNS studies focused the age group of the most active SNS users, teens and twenties. This study, conducted on the baby boomers and older adults, de-velop a model to explain continuance intention of SNS by integrating information system acceptance research and the uses and gratifications approach with the information system continuance model. To confirm the research model, an online survey was conducted of mobile SNS users aged over 40 in Korea, and data were analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) technology. The findings show that user’s satisfaction and perceived usefulness have direct significant effect on user’s continuance intention to use mobile social network sites for the people aged 40 and older. The participants satisfied their information seeking motive, social interaction motive and habitual pass time motives by using m-SNS. Moreover, social influence, subjective norm, has a direct influence on user’s continuance use intention. Finally, the features of m-SNS that available anytime and anywhere positively impact on the user’s perceived usefulness. Theoretical implication for researcher and practical suggestions for manager are discussed