Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
464361 Telematics and Informatics 2015 14 Pages PDF
Abstract

•We examine gratifications-obtained and gratification-opportunities of mobile SNSs.•We conduct an exploratory comparison between Facebook and KakaoTalk in Korea.•Hedonic, integrative, and mobile convenience were found to affect attitude.•Social interactive gratification affects other gratifications-obtained.•Mobile convenience affects all other gratifications.

Mobile instant messengers, which are types of social networking sites (SNSs), have become popular among smartphone users. This trend prompts Internet-based SNSs to join this wave by launching mobile versions of their applications. The business model of both mobile SNSs is based on advertisements where continuous use of the service represents higher profits. Founded on the theory of uses and gratifications, this research attempts to identify gratifications driving mobile SNSs use. Gratifications were divided into “obtained” – cognitive, hedonic, integrative, social interactive – and “opportunities” – mobile convenience. We collected responses from 330 KakaoTalk and 311 Facebook users. The results shed light on the effect of hedonic, integrative, and mobile convenience in forming attitude. Social interactive gratification exerted a significant effect on all other gratifications-obtained variables whereas mobile convenience had a significant impact on all other gratifications. An exploratory comparison between KakaoTalk and Facebook was performed, and academic and managerial implications were discussed.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science Computer Networks and Communications
Authors
, , , , ,