即时通讯软件使用动机的探讨

鉴于当前流行的即时通讯软件(instant messaging,IM)既广泛集成了互联网的功能和服务,又包含了其独特的功能和服务,笔者借鉴互联网使用动机的研究,提出了两个基于IM环境的用户使用动机的假设模型:其一是包含人际沟通、娱乐休闲、自我展示和信息获取动机的四因素模型;其二是包含人际沟通、娱乐休闲和信息获取动机的三因素模型。本研究以主流的大学生IM用户为对象,通过验证性因素分析的检验结果发现,大学生IM用户使用IM主要在于满足其人际沟通、娱乐休闲和信息获取三种动机。进一步的二阶验证性因素分析表明,首要动机是人际沟通,次要动机是娱乐休闲与信息获取。基于上述结果,笔者提出了关于IM产品设计的建议。

A Study on the Motivation of Instant Messaging Usage

The motivation of instant messaging(IM)usage has currently become an important subject of psychological study;however,problems in previous researches are noticeable with regard to the lack of external validity and the oversimplification of its classification.Moreover,the motivational structure of IM usage is essentially neglected due to the use of qualitative methods(e.g.observation and interview)in these researches.Considering that IM not only offers unique IM-based functions and services,but also integrates many internet-based services,we drew upon studies on the motivation of internet usage and proposed two hypothetic models to explore the structural dimension of the motivation of IM usage and its relative importance to college student users.The first four-factor model involves interpersonal communication,entertainment,showing self and acquiring information,and the three-factor model includes interpersonal communication,recreation and acquiring information.The confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) was adopted to test these two models.The results suggested that there are three major motivations for college users,namely,interpersonal communication,recreation and acquiring information.A further second-order CFA revealed that the primary motive is interpersonal communication,and recreation and acquiring information are secondary.Based on the present findings,some suggestions are made for the IM design.