Understanding User Acceptance of Micro-Blog Services in China Using the Extended Motivational Model

The growing popularity of micro-blogs has drawn an increasing amount of attention from users keen to expand friendship, facilitate information sharing and information seeking. Given the extensive use of micro-blog services, there is a pressing need to understand users’ behavioral intentions in micro-blog services. Although there are some studies exploring the factors explaining micro-blog users’ acceptance, none of research has been reported from both of the technological characteristics and network effects of micro-blog services. This study extended motivational model with socio-technical approach as a theoretical framework to examine the roles of technological factors and network effect factors in determining micro-blog users’ behavioral intentions. This study suggests that interactivity, convenience, accessibility, network size, existing social contacts, performance expectancy, sense of belonging and hedonic expectancy together provide a strong explanation for micro-blog use intention. The results of this study provide directions for system administrators and service providers to achieve higher levels of micro-blog usage by developing multi-faceted strategies

A meta-analysis of the quantitative studies in continuance intention to use an information system

Franque, F. B., Oliveira, T., Tam, C., & Santini, F. D. O. (2021). A meta-analysis of the quantitative studies in continuance intention to use an information system. Internet Research, 31(1), 1-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-03-2019-0103Purpose: This study aims to describe, synthesise and clarify the findings of published studies on individual continuance intention to use an information system (IS), considering the fact that the number of studies in the continuance intention context are growing exponentially and cover several different subjects. Design/methodology/approach: The research uses meta- and weight analysis by taking 115 empirical studies from continuance intention to use an IS. The data are presented in different views using significant and non-significant relationships from all the studies. Furthermore, it uses hierarchical linear meta-analysis to analyse potential moderators that can influence continuance intention. Findings: The results reveal that affective commitment, attitude, satisfaction, hedonic value and flow are the best predictors of continuance intention to use an IS. Sample size, individualism, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation moderate the relationship of perceived usefulness on continuance intention. Power distance, masculinity and indulgence moderate relationship satisfaction on continuance intention. Practical implications: The results reveal that continuance intention to use an IS has been studied in different countries, with different cultures; therefore, IS providers should have diversified managing strategies, to ensure the satisfaction of users and long-term usage of their IS. Originality/value: The study provides a systematic overview of the most relevant variables used in the literature, including a temporal analysis of the theoretical models, highlighting the evolution of the constructs and presents a moderation analysis.authorsversionpublishe

The influence of social media on knowledge gaps about science and technology among Chinese audiences

While scholars have begun to examine the influence of the Internet on knowledge gaps, there is little research that explores the unique effect of the social media. This study begins to fill this research gap by examining the influence of social media on knowledge gaps about science and technology among Chinese audiences. This study focuses on the use of Guokr, a start-up social media site that combines the characteristics of blogs and social networks. Guokr\u27s main objectives are to make science interesting and help audiences to know the truth. The results of a survey of Chinese students from China and the U.S. suggest that the use of Guokr positively correlates with participants\u27 motivation and overall science knowledge and negatively correlates with education level. Use of more general social media had no interactive effect with Guokr use, motivation, education and other demographic variables (gender, education, major, residence, and household) upon overall science knowledge. The results suggest that social media influence knowledge gaps in a similar manner as the Internet in general by widening the size of gaps in knowledge about science and technology

Digital Technology Disorder: Justification and a proposed model of treatment

Due to advances in technology being made at an exponential rate, organisations are attempting to compete with one another by utilising state-of-the-art technology to provide innovative products and services that encourage use. However, there is no moral code to inform sensitive technology design, a consequence of which is the emergence of so-called technology addiction. While addiction as a term is problematic, increasing evidence suggests that related-conditions present implications for the individual, for organisations and for wider society. In this research, a consideration of the potentially addictive elements of technology indicates that it can be possible to reverse engineer these systems, as it were, to promote the development of new behaviours, which can enable the individual to abstain from overuse. Utilising smartphones to deliver digital behavioural change interventions can leverage abundant data touchpoints to provide highly tailored treatment, in addition to allowing for enhanced monitoring and accuracy. To inform understanding of this contemporary phenomenon, the literature on addiction has been reviewed, along with the literature on persuasion architecture to inform an understanding of techniques that lend themselves to overuse and how these can be leveraged to promote recovery. From which, the authors have developed a proposed model to inform the practice of those operating in the domains of computer science

Investigating the impact of digital influencers on consumer decision-making and content outreach: using dual AISAS model

With exponential rise of social media, marketers identify the power and effectiveness of influencer’s advertising on social networking site (SNS). Despite comprehensive understanding of the effects of influencers, their outreach to large audience is yet to be addressed. In this article, we have investigated the effects of fashion influencers on consumers’ decision-making processes and their content outreach on Instagram by embracing new behavioral consumption model ‘dual AISAS model’, which is upgraded version of AISAS Model. It is based on theoretical grounding theory of buying behavior and multi-step flow theory. Both offline and online surveys were conducted involving 969 Pakistan Instagram users following digital influencers. Valid data was assessed and analyzed through structural equation modeling. Our findings demonstrate that every path in dual AISAS model is found significant and have profound effect. It reveals that fashion influencers exert powerful influence on consumers’ decision-making process. Being so influential, they grab the consumers’ attention immediately, engage them, and get wider outreach by upturn in consumer intention in order to spread the fashion content within private networks as well as extended networks. The findings hold robust implications to both theory and practice. Some limitations of the present study offer boulevards to future scholars

Microbloggers’ motivations in participatory journalism: A cross-cultural study of America and China

This phenomenological study focuses on the motivations of participatory journalists contributing on microblogs such as Twitter and Weibo. Although online user behavior and motivations have been studied before, few studies have examined motivations of participatory journalists from their own perspective. Moreover, this study is one of the few to explore participatory journalists across different cultures (U.S. and China). The author conducted a total of 13 in-depth interviews with participatory journalists on microblogs from both countries and used a qualitative analysis method to identify the themes and patterns that emerged. Motivations such as earning respect, technology early adoption, self-expression, relationship building, self-enhancement, branding and image building, and financial gain were discussed. De-motivational factors such as time constraints and self-censorship were presented. Motivational differences between the two groups of participants, including what the microblog account represents and the role of participatory journalists, were explained by cultural differences collectivism versus individualism and power distance. Limitations and future research were also discussed

What Impacts Backers’ Behavior to Fund Reward-Based Crowdfunding Projects? A Systematic Review Study

Background: With Covid-19 spreading across the world, many economic issues have raised. Effort is continued to support vulnerable individuals and start-ups to survive during this pandemic. Reward-based crowdfunding (RBCF) is seen as alternative sustainable finance in the Fintech industry. It allows fund-seekers to pledge an investment through RBCF platforms such as Kickstarter for funding their projects. Backers will get a reward in return. Research has shown that factors impacting the backers\u27 behavior are crucial in determining the success of RBCF campaigns. However, there is a literature gap in providing a holistic view of these factors. Therefore, this paper aims to review and identify factors impacting backers\u27 behavior by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Method: This paper employs the three stages in conducting the SLR. It starts with identifying the review strategy where a search string is developed. A total of 323 papers from 2012 up to 2019 from two main academic databases, i.e. IEEE Xplore and ScienceDirect were retrieved. After applying the quality assessment criteria, 33 papers were qualified for the analysis. Thematic analysis was then applied to thematically categories the identified factors. Results: A large set of factors was identified in the literature. Identified factors were classified under nine main themes. These themes are Team Characteristics, Project Characteristics, Social Influence, User Generated Content, Risk, Distrust, Upfront Marketing, Environment Readiness, and Backers Motivation. Conclusions: This paper contributes theoretically by comprehensively identify factors impacting backers’ behavior toward using RBCF. The findings also contribute empirically, particularly to the fund-seekers, to help them understand what factors might impact the backer’s behavior and enhance their chances of designing a successful campaign

The behavioral intention to adopt Proptech services in Vietnam real estate market

One of the main stages for achieving success is the adoption of new technology by its users. Several studies show that Property technology is advantageous for real estate stakeholders. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the users' engagement behavior to adopt Property technology in the Vietnamese real estate market. To that end, a purposive sample of 142 participants was recruited to complete an online quantitative approach based survey. The survey consisted of a modified and previously validated measure of acceptance based on the extended demographic version of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology), as well as usage scale items. The empirical findings confirm that participants were generally accepting of Property technology in the Vietnamese real estate market. The highest mean values were associated with the subscales of effort expectancy and performance expectancy, while we can easily identify the lowest mean value in the social influence subscale. The usage of Property technology was slightly more concerned with the gathering of information on properties and markets than transactions or portfolio management. This study provides an in depth understanding of Property technology for firms' managers and marketers. Online social interactions might be either harmful or fruitful for firms depending on the type of interaction and engagement behavior. This is especially true of property portals and social media forums that would help investors to connect, communicate and learn. Findings can help users to improve their strategies for digital marketing. By providing robust findings by addressing issues like omitted variables and endogeneity, the findings of this study are promising for developing new hypotheses and theoretical models in the context of the Vietnamese real estate market.Comment: PhD thesis, 127 pages, 14 figure

The Use of Social Media Interactivity Between Nevada E-Government Agencies and The Public: An Analysis of The Role and Impact of Twitter Accounts

Social media platforms have extended the information and communication technology (ICT) landscape in the public sector and have been used to increase e-government transparency, participation, and collaboration in the U.S. e-government. The use of social media platforms has improved a two-way communication for the interactivity with the public, which can provide insights to understand compliance with the Open Government initiative. However, many government agencies using social media have not thoroughly measured the impact of their digital interactions. Moreover, a lack of empirical studies of social media exist for improving the interactivity between governments and the public. Furthermore, scholars have not yet examined the interactivity of the social media between the Nevada’s e-government agencies and the public. Hence, public administrators should implement social media platforms for the potential innovative practices; thus, they must estimate how social media can support their task beyond the formal informing and educating goals (Mergel, 2016). With the analysis of Twitter accounts, this study examined the interactivity of social media between Nevada e-government agencies and the public and attempts to answer three fundamental questions: 1) How is the interactivity between the state of Nevada e-government agencies and the public measured? 2) What factors influence the interactivity of social media between Nevada’s e-government agencies and the public? 3) How can Nevada’s e-government agencies make use of social media to facilitate interactivity with the public? More specifically, this study proposed an analytical framework based on interactive theory and critical theory, which were used to develop an analytical framework for measuring social media contents as derived from Hao, Zheng, Zeng, and Fan’s (2016) study. Based on the research framework, the concept of interactivity was divided into two sub-dimensions that were the reflection of interactivity and transmission of interactivity (retweet). Based on the lack of limited measurement attempts by social media directors (Mergel, 2013a), a framework consisting of metrics, procedures, and outcomes is presented that aims to explore interactivity of social media between government agencies and the public. To investigate the government posts (structural features and content features), this study used mixed methods, which focused on collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative data. The benefits of mixed approaches provides a better understanding of research problems than either approach alone (Creswell & Clark, 2007). The results of this study demonstrated that the factors that could explain the degree of interactivity. The factor that influenced the interactivity were determined by two dimensions, which were structural features and content features. This study found that both structural features and content features affected dependent variables (reflection of interactivity and transmission of interactivity). The results of this study provided recommendations to improve the interactivity between Nevada e-government and citizens. Government posts should provide a variety of multimedia elements (e.g., video and pictures) and add more external links to facilitate information dissemination. Public administrations should offer valuable and beneficial original posts (tweets) to facilitate conversation from citizens, which make them more inclined to reply to the posts and express their opinions. The state of Nevada should continuously provide updated training with public administrators because technologies and the function of social media platforms are rapidly advancing in the contemporary era. Public administrations should accept the best business practices, namely, innovative ideas from domestic and international social media companies. By operating under such best practices, transaction costs might be reduced. In addition, Nevada state agencies should offer an outreach and education program to learn innovative functions of social media platforms. Public administrations should change from governing individuals and information to becoming a facilitator and moderator of discourse for implementation of social media platforms (Knox, 2016). This shift should involve releasing control of power and government posts (information) and should provide an incentive-centered design of social media platforms; then, citizens can choose how they want to participate in their communities, work together, and interact with their environment (Johnston, 2010). This study has applied Habermas’ critical theory and interactive theory to the use of social media platforms in public administration. These dual theories could promote the development of social media platforms in the public sector. However, public administrators have considered whether to use an alternative theoretical lens. Since power to the public for symmetric communication is related to cultures, rules, policies, and procedures, the legitimacy dilemma facing administrators will remain (Knox, 2016). Without changing organizational culture, procedures, or rules, the application of social media platforms will not be sufficient to expand the public sphere. Therefore, public administrators should implement social media platforms for potential innovative practices; thus, they should estimate how social media can support their task beyond the formal informing and educating goals (Mergel, 2016). Although this research was not designed to provide policy suggestions to the state of Nevada e-government, implications for policy should not be ignored because government policy is related to using social media platforms by agencies. The use of social media channels that offer innovative platforms provide bidirectional content for interaction with citizens. Obviously, one distinct advantage is that social media platforms is highly interactive and self-updating, which allows for quick response about disseminated information. However, the current political environment using social media can engender a more provocative system for today’s social media users. A key concern would be the degree to which Nevada state e-government requires its social media to be professionally managed to facilitate political debates. As noted by Pew Research, some politically active social media users enjoy the political debate and discussion facilitated by such engagement; however, a larger amount of users express resignation and frustration over the tone and content of political interactions (Duggan & Smith, 2016). Nevertheless, the results of this study illustrated that the use of social media platforms would be more beneficial for public presidential debates. Therefore, agencies should frequently provide updated political information with their followers to participate in government policy and decision-making. Currently, the use of Facebook and Twitter is prevalent for political debates. Facebook has many followers and Twitter users tend to follow a broader variety of connections. Although each platform has different mix of people and viewpoints, users of each site are connected to their followers and may have reciprocal influence on a broad range of political issues. From different perspectives of government policy, agencies can proactively start communication, which facilitate informal exchanges and participation in the formal work of government. This study has several limitations. First, this study investigates only the use of Twitter in Nevada state agencies; thus, the generalization of the results is problematic. Second, Nevada state e-government agencies do not have many followers as compared to other states, which means that the lack of tweet activities (replies, likes, and retweets) influences the results of this study. Third, although total government post (tweet) were significant during collection data, the responses such as comments, likes, and retweets generated were relatively small. The sample data were collected for 17 days (from October 15 to 31, 2016). Because of the period data collection, most contents were related to events for the 2016 presidential debate and Halloween holiday. Fourth, although the sample data was easily extracted and automatically processed utilizing NVIVO software, it does not include likes and other independent variables such as mentions and hashtags; and it only shows original posts related to tweet type. To test hypotheses, the data was required the number of retweets, replies, and likes for calculating the average daily ratio. Furthermore, this study has to measure the ratio of average number of daily forwards, comments (replies), and likes to see the relationship between the dependent variables and independent variables. Therefore, this sample data was also additionally analyzed by using Excel manually. Finally, this study categorizes only two features (structural and content) related to social media posts. Accordingly, Twitter’s contents in this research needed to utilize more categorizing feature words. Since the generalization of the results affect this study, future study should examine Twitter accounts for Nevada counties and cities. Even future research should investigate the assessment between the state of Nevada and other states, as well as the counties and cities of Nevada and those of other states. Future research should examine a survey or interview of local government officials to assess if e-polls conducted on their social media platforms might lead to policy, management, and reforms. The length of data collection should be expanded for future research to examine a period that extends beyond a crucial and highly partisan presidential election to include a more typical timeframe. In doing so, the results ascertained may be informative of whether and to what degree the outcomes generated would be different. In addition, future studies should investigate motivational factors of social media users’ commenting practices in online communities. It could be of interest for future studies to examine user habits across social media channels. It would also be desirable to study other types of user behaviors and make a comparison among them. Further studies should examine different types of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, as this study focused only Twitter. Additional research on the application, adoption, and implementation of social media platforms by administrators would be valuable. In particular, research on the complexity of politics-administrations dichotomy and legitimacy dilemmas is needed (Knox, 2016). Thus, it is vital to comprehend the use of social media platforms from the perspective of administrators. Future empirical research could attain the results on which social media platforms would trigger increased or decreased interactivity between administrations and the public as well as administrative legitimacy, transparency, collaboration, and participation. Scholars could apply the results to the citizens’ perspectives, and assess their emotions and sense of alienation from, or affinity for the use of social media platforms. Since this study utilizes two theories (interactivity and critical theory), future research should compare several different theories to social media platform capabilities. To further test of Habermas’ theory, future research should emphasize what types of communicative actions would be used when public administrators send, collect, and discuss information with citizens. Lastly, future research could inquire about how to validate the public’s claims, and how governments could utilize social media platforms for socialization and cultural reproduction