| The purpose of this study was to identify the uses and motivations for use of the internet in the home. Prior research on internet use elicited a connection between general demographic information and internet use. However, none identified psychological and social variables related to use. Furthermore, prior research failed to identify the home as a context for study. Relationships among internet uses and motivations to use the internet, psychological variables (self-esteem, trust, and communication apprehension) and social variables (number of dwellers, number of children, location of computer, and mobility) were identified. The Uses and Gratification approach was used as a framework for this study. A preliminary study was conducted to identify the uses and motivations for use of the internet. The responses were incorporated in the primary investigation, an on-line survey. Participants were randomly selected for participation. Initial contacts were made via the telephone. And, the potential participants with internet access in their homes were asked to log-on to a web site to complete the survey. Factor analysis yielded four internet uses (file management, business transaction, personal enrichment, and information resource) and six motivations to use the internet (interpersonal connectivity, convenience, enlightenment, self-fulfillment, pass-time, and information-seeking). Results also revealed several relationships among the variables assessed. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance revealed significant relationships between the uses and motivations to use the internet and the several psychological and social variables. Regression analysis indicated that the personal enrichment use predicted internet satisfaction. Convenience and enlightenment motivations for use were also identified as predictors of satisfaction. Conclusions derived from this study offer insight to a novel and developing area of research. |
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