User acceptance of computer-mediated communication: The SkypeOut case

The objective of this study is to examine two influential factors, user’s perception of playfulness and quality which are incorporated into technology acceptance model (TAM) of the usage of SkypeOut services. To validate the theory, a total of 211 SkypeOut users collected via SkypeFind engine, were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) to assess and modify the extended TAM model. Our findings indicate that perceived quality is positively related to perceived ease of use, perceived ease of use is positively related to perceived usefulness and perceived playfulness, and perceived playfulness has a positive influence on attitude. The findings suggest users of SkypeOut services need to be provided with more reliable and entertaining ways of communicating, which are at the same time easily accessible and convenient to use.