Factors Affecting Acceptance, Adoption and Use of Online SNS by Seniors

Abstract

The use of Online Social Networks is higher among the youth as compared to the use of the same by seniors in Kenya. Online social networking has the potential to enrich the lives of seniors by providing them with an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family. Software Engineers and designers are anxious to capture the needs of this demographic through this new channel. Yet very little is known about what influences seniors to use online social networks in relation to development and design of this online social networks.This study uses results from a pilot study conducted in some Universities in Kenya as well as theory and literature to identify and examine what key factors influence seniors to accept and use online social networks then map the factors to enhance an already existing model Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) used to explain Acceptance and Use of technology. The enhanced model that emerged describes the key factors that influence acceptance and use. Specifically the model indicates that perceived privacy, security and trust, proclivity to give and get information, content of Online Social Networking Sites(SNS) are some of the key factors that influence seniors to use online social networks. The enhanced model is a first step of an ongoing research project that aims to provide software engineers and designers with the requirements of seniors in Online Social Networks.

Keywords: Online Social Networks, Elderly, UTAUT, SNS, Online Social Networking Use and Acceptance