Intentions to Use Social Networking Sites (SNS) Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Abstract

This article intends to empirically test and analyse Social Networking Sites (SNS) usage pattern applying Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and predict user’s intention to use SNS. This information would help in understanding better its remarkable marketing potential in India to practice and to create user value. The researchers explored intentions to use SNS using Davis (1985) TAM in Indian context and applied confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique to check the model fitness. To commensurate this, a survey was carried out through a well-structured questionnaire of 172 respondents of North India, particularly from western UP covering different age groups, income level, educational background and professions. To explore the degree of fitness of TAM factors in SNS, six hypotheses were formulated and tested, where four were accepted and two were rejected. Findings revealed that the TAM fits with the data to interpret and analyse intentions to use SNS in the target population. Since the survey was conducted in and around Mathura (UP), this work could be extended to further research covering bigger geographical areas and sample size to have more accurate predictions regarding diversified SNS usage pattern in India. To evaluate the integration of new technologies, traditional TAM is extensively used. The ‘Intention to Use SNS’ is studied comparatively less in Indian context. This study explores and underlines the diversified potential of these networks. To gauge detailed information, the researcher added five items in ‘Perceived Usefulness’ construct and one item in ‘Intention to Use’ construct of TAM. The objective is to critically analyse and interpret respondent’s viewpoints regarding diversified SNS usage intentions, in addition to viewing and communicating with old and new friends.

Keywords

Social networking sites (SNS)technology acceptance model (TAM)confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)structural equation modelling (SEM)electronic–word of mouth (E_WOM)social CRM

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