Advance Search

Teenagers and new media technologies: Gratifications obtained as a factor for adoption

Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey
Rhodes University; University of Ghana
Keywords:
Copyright and Licensing:

Copyright (c) 2022 Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Share:

How to Cite

Teenagers and new media technologies: Gratifications obtained as a factor for adoption. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 41(2), 34-49. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v41i2.2239
  • Articles
  • Submited: December 11, 2022
  • Published: December 15, 2022

Abstract

Many extensions have been made to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), one of the foremost theories which speak to why and how people adopt technologies, including new media technologies, by introducing various constructs. It is contended in this study that an important construct to consider when studying teenagers’ use of new media technologies is gratifications obtained (GO). With the aid of the stratified sampling technique, 300 students of two senior high schools in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, representing 10% of the total population, were recruited to take part in a study to explore whether there would be substantial empirical evidence to support the stance that gratifications obtained could potentially account for teenagers’ adoption of new media technologies. The minimum and maximum ages of participants were 13 and 19, respectively. The study matched gratifications teenagers sought from the use of new media technologies with gratifications they ultimately obtained and advanced that the ability to adequately satisfy needs sought from new media technologies contributes to teens’ use of the technologies. The statistical measures for GO and other constructs in the TAM, Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), were within similar range. It was concluded that although PU and PEOU are strong factors in the adoption of new media technologies, gratifications obtained (GO) is a factor that must also be given ample attention when it comes to teenagers’ use of new media technologies. 

PDF
PDF

Article Metrics Graph

Article Views | PDF Downloads
Chart Graph | Range Graph

References

  1. Adjin-Tettey, T.D. (2018). The e-teen phenomenon: a conceptual model for new media technology use and appropriation. PhD diss., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
  2. Adjin-Tettey, T.D. & Mbatha, B. (2019). Use and appropriation of new media technologies by teens: The E-teen model perspective. Galactica Media: Journal of Media Studies, l(1): 16-42 Doi: https://doi.org/10.24411/2658-7734-2019-00001
  3. Ahad, A.D. & Anshari, M. (2017). Smartphone habits among youth: Uses and gratification theory. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL), 7(1): 65-75.
  4. Ahad, A.D., Anshari, M. & Razzaq, A. (2017). Domestication of smartphones among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL), 7(4): 26-39.
  5. Alharahsheh, R. & Obeidat, B.F. (2019). The Role of Social Media Website Usage on the Academic Performance of University Students in Jordan. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14(6): 1971-1975.
  6. Attuquayefio, S. (2019). Development of a conceptual framework to support ICT adoption by Ghanaian higher education students. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 15(4): 116-131.
  7. Bae, M. (2018). Understanding the effect of the discrepancy between sought and obtained gratification on social networking site users' satisfaction and continuance intention. Computers in Human Behavior, 79: 137-153.
  8. Bajracharya, S. (2018). Uses and Gratifications Theory. Accessed August 9, 2022. https://www.businesstopia.net/mass-communication/uses-gratifications-theory
  9. Businesstopia.
  10. Blotcky, A. (2021). What’s TikTok doing to our kids? Concerns from a clinical psychologist. Accessed August 8, 2022. https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-whats-tiktok-doing-to-our-kids-20211118-32kx365w2ja6rhnoe2aoorkbpi-story.html . New York Daily News.
  11. Burns-Stanning, K. (2020). Identity in communities and networks TikTok social networking site empowering youth civic engagement. In The 11th Debating Communities and Networks Conference (Vol. 27, pp. 1-11).
  12. Chavis, J.C. (2015). What is new media technology? Accessed August 11, 2022. https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-new-media-technology.htm
  13. Chukwuemeka, E.S. (2022). Impact of Technology on Culture, Tradition and Social Values. Accessed September 09, 2022. https://bscholarly.com/impact-of-technology-on-culture-tradition-and-social-values/
  14. Comry, A.L & Lee, H.B. (1992). Interpretation and application of factor analytic results. In: A First Course in Factor Analysis. 2nd edition. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  15. Davis, F.D., Bagozzi, R.P. & Warshaw, P.R. (1989). User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models. Management Science, 35(8): 982-1003.
  16. Dondolo, H.B. (2014). Modelling the factors that influence Generation Y students' attitudes towards advertising in the Facebook environment. PhD diss., North-West University, South Africa.
  17. Ephraim, P.E. (2013). African youths and the dangers of social networking: a culture-centered approach to using social media. Ethics and information technology, 15(4): 275-284.
  18. Fidan, M. (2019). Development of a scale for university students’ Facebook use purposes and an examination in terms of their Facebook use profiles. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 15(4): 132-150
  19. Findik-Coşkunçay, D., Alkiş, N. & Özkan-Yildirim, S. (2018). A Structural Model for students' adoption of Learning Management Systems: An empirical investigation in the higher education context. Journal of Educational Technology and Society, 21(2): 13-27
  20. Ghana Web (n.d.) Cellular /Mobile Network. Accessed August 11, 2022. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/communication/mobile.php
  21. Ito, M., Horst, H.A., Bittanti, M., Herr Stephenson, B., Lange, P.G., Pascoe, C.J. & Robinson, L. (2009). Living and learning with new media: Summary of findings from the digital youth project. The MIT Press.
  22. Kayanda, A., Busagala, L. & Tedre, M. (2020). User perceptions on the use of Academic Information Systems for decision making support in the context of Tanzanian Higher Education. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 16(1): 72-87
  23. Kim, K.J., Shin D.H. & Park, E. (2015). Can coolness predict technology adoption? Effects of perceived coolness on user acceptance of smartphones with curved screens. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(9): 528-533. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0675
  24. Košir, K., Horvat, M., Aram, U., Jurinec, N. & Tement, S. (2016). Does being on Facebook make me (feel) accepted in the classroom? The relationships between early adolescents' Facebook usage, classroom peer acceptance and self-concept. Computers in Human Behavior, 62: 375-384. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.04.013
  25. Krasnova, H., Veltri, N.F., Eling, N. & Buxmann, P. (2017). Why men and women continue to use social networking sites: The role of gender differences. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 26: 261–284.
  26. Kumar, S.O. (2013). A fuzzy based comprehensive study of factors affecting teachers’ performance in higher technical education. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, 3: 26-32.
  27. La Ferle, C., Edwards, S.M. & Lee, W.N. (2000). Teens' use of traditional media and the Internet. Journal of Advertising Research, 40(3): 55-65.
  28. Lee, H. (2006). Creating a knowledge-based society through e-learning in Korea. Educational Technology Research and Development, 54(5): 529-540.
  29. Lee, Y.K., Park, J.H., Chung, N. & Blakeney, A. (2012). A unified perspective on the factors influencing usage intention toward mobile financial services. Journal of Business Research, 65(11): 1590-1599.
  30. Lemay, D.J., Doleck, T. & Bazelais, P. (2017). ‘Passion and concern for privacy’ as factors affecting snapchat use: A situated perspective on technology acceptance. Computers in Human Behavior, 75: 264-271. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.05.022
  31. Lenhart, A., Duggan, M., Perrin, A., Stepler, R., Rainie, H. & Parker, K. (2015). Teens, social media and technology overview 2015. Accessed November 1, 2019. http://www.pewInternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015.
  32. Lenhart, A., Ling, R., Campbell, S. & Purcell, K. (2010). Teens and mobile phones: Text messaging explodes as teens embrace it as the centerpiece of their communication strategies with friends. Pew Internet and American Life Project. Accessed May 5, 2020. http://www.pewInternet.org/2010/04/20/teens-and-mobile-phones/. Pew Internet and American life project.
  33. Leung, L. & Wei, R. (2000). More than just talk on the move: A use-and-gratification study of the cellular phone”.Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 77(2): 308-320. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/107769900007700206.
  34. Liu, X., Luo, Y., Liu, Z.Z., Yang, Y., Liu, J. & Jia, C.X. (2020). Prolonged Mobile Phone Use Is Associated with Poor Academic Performance in Adolescents. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(5): 303-311. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0591
  35. Livingstone, S. (2011). Internet, children and youth. In The handbook of Internet studies: 348-368. Edited by Consalvo, M. and Ess, C. Oxford: Blackwell.
  36. Markwei, E.D. & Appiah, D. (2016). The Impact of social media on Ghanaian youth: A case study of the Nima and Maamobi communities in Accra, Ghana. The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults, 7(2): 1-26.
  37. Mbatha, B. (2015). Diffusion and adoption of information and communication technologies in South African telecentres: Selected telecentres in KwaZulu-Natal. Mousaion, 33(1): 103-120.
  38. Matyokurehwa, K., Rudhumbu, N. & Mlambo, C. (2020).Intentions of First Year University Business Students to use Smartphones as learning tools in Botswana: Issues and challenges. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 16(1): 27-43. http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=2663
  39. McQuail, D. (2010). Mass communication theory: an introduction. 6th Edition. London: Sage Publications.
  40. Mosco, V. (2004). The digital sublime: Myth, power, and cyberspace. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
  41. Odgers, C.L. & Jensen, M.R. (2022). Adolescent development and growing divides in the digital age. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 22(2): 143-149 Doi: https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2020.22.2/codgers
  42. Owusu-Acheaw, M. & Larson, A.G. (2015). Use of Social Media and Its Impact on Academic Performance of Tertiary Institution Students: A Study of Students of Koforidua Polytechnic, Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(6): 94-101.
  43. Papacharissi, Z. (2011). Conclusion: A networked Self. In A networked self: Identity, community, and culture on social network sites: 302-319. Edited by: Papacharissi, Z. New York: Routledge.
  44. Palmgreen, P. & Rayburn, J.D. (1979). Uses and gratifications and exposure to public television: A discrepancy approach. Communication Research, 6(2): 155-180. https://doi.org/10.1177/009365027900600203
  45. Patwardhan, P., Yang, J. & Parwardhan, H. (2011). Understanding media satisfaction: Development and validation of an affect-based scale. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 19(3): 169-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/15456870.2011.584508
  46. de Melo Pereira, F.A., Ramos, A.S.M., Gouvêa, M.A. & da Costa, M.F. (2015).“Satisfaction and continuous use intention of e-learning service in Brazilian public organizations. Computers in Human Behaviour, 46: 139-148.
  47. Plockey, F.D.D. & Amuda, J.M. (2013). Libraries and social media: an integrative approach to promote reading. Innovation: Journal of appropriate librarianship and information work in Southern Africa, 47: 199-212.
  48. Rauniar, R., Rawski, G., Yang, J. & Johnson, B. (2014).“Technology acceptance model (TAM) and social media usage: An empirical study on Facebook. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 27(1): 6-30.
  49. Rivard, S. & Lapointe, L. (2012). Information Technology implementers' responses to user: Assistance, nature and effects. Management Information Systems Quarterly, 36(3): 897-905.
  50. Ruggiero, T.E. (2000). Uses and Gratifications Theory in the 21st Century. Mass Communication & Society, 3(1): 3-37.
  51. Santhi, V. & Rajesh, B. (2020). Impact of Smartphone Usage on the Academic Performance among Medical Students. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences, 9(2): 105-110.
  52. Severin, W.J. & Tankard, J.W. (2001). Communication theories: Origins, methods, and uses in the mass media. New York: Longman.
  53. Shaw, B. & Kesharwani, A. (2019). Moderating Effect of Smartphone Addiction on Mobile Wallet Payment Adoption. Journal of Internet Commerce, 18(3): 291-309.
  54. Shen, C.C. & Chiou, J.S. (2010).“The impact of perceived ease of use on Internet service adoption: The moderating effects of temporal distance and perceived risk. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(1): 42-50.
  55. Socha, B. & Eber-Schmid, B. (2014). What is new media? Defining new media isn’t easy”. Accessed May 5, 2020. http://www.newmedia.org/what-is-new-media.html
  56. Suki, N.M. & Suki, N.M. (2011). Exploring the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, attitude and subscribers’ intention towards using 3G mobile services. Journal of Information Technology Management, 22(1): 1-7.
  57. Taylor, S. & Todd, P. (1995). Decomposition and crossover effects in the theory of planned behaviour: A study of consumer adoption intentions. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 12(2): 137-155.
  58. Teo, T. (2013).“A comparison of non-nested models in explaining teachers' intention to use technology. British Journal of Educational Technology, 44(3): E81-E84.
  59. Vagias, W.M. (2006). Likert-type scale response anchors. Clemson International Institute for Tourism and Research Development, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Accessed January 1, 2020. http://www.clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/tourism/documents/sample-scales.pdf.
  60. Venkatesh, V. & Davis, F.D. (2008). A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: Four longitudinal field studies. Management science, 46(2): 186-204.
  61. Venkatesh, V., Morris, M.G., Davis, G.B. & Davis, F.D. (2003). User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward a Unified View. MIS Quarterly, 27(3): 425–478.
  62. Weimann, G. & Masri, N. (2020). Research note: Spreading hate on TikTok. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 1-14. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2020.1780027
  63. Wiest, J.B. & Eltantawy, N. (2015). Mediatization in the Arab World: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of New Media Use. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 5(2): 120-142. https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/anthrosoc_facpub/31
How to Cite
Teenagers and new media technologies: Gratifications obtained as a factor for adoption. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 41(2), 34-49. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v41i2.2239

Send mail to Author

Send Cancel

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Custom technologies based on your needs

  • ORCID
  • Crossref
  • PubMed
    • Clarivate