Differential effect of excitement versus contentment, and excitement versus relaxation: Examining the influence of positive affects on adoption of new technology with a Korean sample

Although affects such as interest, contentment, excitement, and relaxation are positive in valence, we argue that the cognitive and motivational functions of specific affects differ, making the effects of interest versus contentment and excitement versus relaxation differential in the adoption of new technology. We hypothesized that while interest and excitement will have positive associations with new technology adoption, contentment and relaxation may be negatively associated. The overall hypotheses were supported by the results of an online survey of 156 Korean adults. In addition, the results were consistent with the view that pleasure is a generic term encompassing various positive affects, such as interest and excitement. The effect of pleasure on new technology adoption was mediated by the specific affects of which it was comprised, including interest and excitement.