Personality Traits and Affordance Actualization: An Investigation of the Continued Use of Fitness Apps

Abstract

Post-adoption behaviors, including the continued use of information technology (“IT continuance”), have long interested researchers in IT adoption and usage. Several models, such as the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM), have been employed widely in information systems to identify critical factors influencing IT continuance. The ECM emphasizes that users’ perceived usefulness, satisfaction, and confirmation of expectations affect IT continuance. In this dissertation, I argue that each technology possesses unique attributes that offer distinct advantages to specific users or user groups. These distinctions take the form of technology features, affordance actualizations, and user characteristics and must be taken into account when studying IT continuance. By studying the interplay between these factors, we can understand one core factor of the ECM, namely perceived usefulness, which has a long-lasting impact on IT continuance. This dissertation argues that (1) perceived usefulness is influenced by technology affordance actualizations, (2) the relationship between perceived usefulness and affordance actualization is mediated by technology features, and (3) affordance actualization is influenced by users’ personality traits. A quantitative methodology was employed, and a survey instrument was developed, incorporating measures adopted from existing literature including the ECM, the big five personality traits, and new measures to uncover the fitness app affordances (e.g., exercise guidance) that users actualize using each of the app’s features (e.g., workout videos). The theoretical model, the survey results of 433 participants, and the analysis of covariance- based structural equation modeling are presented. The findings support the arguments in the IS literature regarding the explanatory power of the ECM for IT continuance. Additionally, the results confirm the dissertation’s hypothesis that actualizing the affordances of a fitness app influences users’ perception of the app’s usefulness. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that actualizing these affordances using specific features can lead to positive or negative perceptions of the app’s usefulness. Finally, the results also support that certain personality traits influence the actualization of affordances. The study also reveals novel affordances that are actualized through the utilization of Fitbit features. The insights offered by this dissertation contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that impact IT continuance and provide valuable guidance for developing user-centered technologies that promote continued usage.