Age differences in perceptions of online community participation among non-users: An extension of the Technology Acceptance Model

  • Authors:

  • Jae Eun Chung;Namkee Park;Hua Wang;Janet Fulk;Margaret McLaughlin

  • Affiliations:

  • School of Communication Studies, Kent State University, Taylor Hall, Kent, OH 44242, USA;Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, 395 W. Lindsey St., Norman, OK 73019, USA;Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 359 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1020, USA;School of Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California, 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2081, USA;School of Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California, 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2081, USA

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Human Behavior
  • Year:
  • 2010

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Abstract

This study examined age differences in perceptions of online communities held by people who were not yet participating in these relatively new social spaces. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we investigated the factors that affect future intention to participate in online communities. Our results supported the proposition that perceived usefulness positively affects behavioral intention, yet it was determined that perceived ease of use was not a significant predictor of perceived usefulness. The study also discovered negative relationships between age and Internet self-efficacy and the perceived quality of online community websites. However, the moderating role of age was not found. The findings suggest that the relationships among perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to participate in online communities do not change with age. Theoretical and practical implications and limitations were discussed.