Communicating Social Relationships via the Use of Photo-Messaging

Abstract

The present study applied theories of diffusion, technology acceptance, and uses and gratifications via an exploratory model to explain the photo-messaging behavior of 682 college students. Structural equation modeling results indicate that greater photo-messaging activity within one's social network predicts personal relationship formation and relationship maintenance motives. Relationship maintenance motives had a stronger influence on behavioral intention to adopt photo-messaging than did relationship formation. Technology cluster ownership also predicts perceived ease of use for photo-messaging activity. The technology acceptance model (TAM) conceptualizations were generally supported for photo-messaging.

Notes

Notes

¹ A full list of original and revised scales is available from the authors.

² By implication, people will be less inhibited by technological complexities if friends, families, and peers are using the same technology to share relational reciprocity.

³ In the sample, the majority of participants (32%) reported sending photo messages on their mobile device less than once per week. The majority of participants (43.5%) also reported that they share photos online less than once a week. These photo-sharing statistics will most likely change as mobile communication and high-resolution cameras become standard on mobile phones.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel S. Hunt

Daniel S. Hunt (Ph.D., University of Connecticut) is an assistant professor of Communication at Worcester State University. His research interests include new media adoption and visual communication.

Carolyn A. Lin

Carolyn A. Lin (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is a professor of Communication at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests focus on the content, uses and effects of new media technologies, health/science communication, social marketing, advertising and intercultural/international communication.

David J. Atkin

David J. Atkin (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is a professor of Communication at the University of Connecticut. His research areas include communication policy as well as the uses and effects of new media.