Continuance intention to use the mobile interest-based community: An integrated theoretical model and empirical study*

Purpose: This paper aims at an understanding of factors that influence the continuance intention to use mobile interest-based community applications, with a focus on the impacts of technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs and experiential value. Design/methodology/approach: Taking a hybrid model combining TAM and extended expectation confirmation model (ECM) as foundation, this study integrated experiential value into the research model. A survey method was adopted and the sample was constituted by 347 Chinese undergraduates who were experienced users of mobile interest-based community applications. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research model. Findings: Our findings suggest that 1) key determinants of user satisfaction with mobile interest-based community applications are confirmation, perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU) and experiential value. Both satisfaction and PU are directly correlated with continuance intention; 2) PU’s impact on satisfaction and continuance intention has been confirmed again in this study. Although PEU has no direct impact on satisfaction and continuance intention, it may indirectly affect them via PU; 3) all the perceived experiential values (aesthetics, playfulness, service excellence and return on investment) have a positive influence on satisfaction. Research limitations: We did not examine the effects of individual user differences that may also be important for understanding satisfaction and continuance intention. Practical implications: The study findings can help service providers improve the use of mobile interest-based community applications. Originality/value: Our study contributes to a more systematic understanding of factors that influence continuous use of mobile interest-based community applications.