An Integrative Model of Mobile Phone Appropriation

Abstract

Thilo von PapeThe evolution of mobile communication devices and services has taken up a dynamic that makes any prognosis in the field almost impossible. Whereas part of this dynamic may remain inscrutable, we believe that a much higher degree of explanation can be achieved by systematically paying closer attention to the process of appropriation. To seize upon this potential, we present an integrative model to analyze mobile phone appropriation (the ''MPA model''). The model is based on existing theoretical approaches of the quantitative ''adoption'' paradigm (namely, Innovation Diffusion Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior) as well as the mostly qualitative research paradigm devoted to ''appropriation'' (Cultural studies and Frame Analysis), with the Uses-and-Gratifications approach playing a role on both sides. The model has been developed, operationalized and empirically applied in the context of mobile phone appropriation; however, with certain modifications it can be adapted to other information and communications technology (ICT) innovations.

The use of social media among adolescents in Dar es Salaam and Mtwara, Tanzania

“…This allows for sharing of phones with family members and friends, and is ideal for the meager financial resources of many adolescents. 29 Seeking sexual and reproductive health information Organizations are increasingly broadening their online presence by using social network sites for health promotion in order to promote campaigns, interventions and activities 14 . While social media seemed to be popular among some youth, youth-focused websites providing information on sexual and reproductive health did not enjoy the same popularity.…”

Rethinking determinants of ICT acceptance: Towards an integrated and comprehensive overview

“…The convergence with theories originating from social psychology such as Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) (Fishbein, 1967;Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975), (Decomposed) Theory of Planned Behaviour ((D)TPB) (Ajzen, 1991;Taylor & Todd, 1995) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1986;1989) in particular led to an extremely valuable -yet fragmented -increase in research on adoption and determinant models. As a result, some scholars consider one or two extra determinants (Holak & Lehmann, 1990), while others take into account eight (Plouffe et al, 2001), ten (Choi, Choi, Kim, & Yu, 2003) or more determinants (Williams et al, 2009;Wirth, von Pape, & Karnowski, 2008). Downside of this increased attention is that researchers are confronted with a lack of overview, since the growing multidisciplinary interest entails a cluttered and inconveniently arranged entirety of determinants (Moore & Benbasat, 1991;Premkumar & Bhattacherjee, 2008).…”

Ubiquität, Interaktivität, Konvergenz und die Medienbranche

“…In this process, metacommunication serves as a catalyst (Hepp 1998). On the one hand it powers the ongoing appropriation process and on the other it diminishes during this process until usage and handling, as well as prestige and social identity, are stable and undisputed among the respective user groups (see Wirth et al 2005).…”

“…A series of quantitative studies was conducted in 2003 and 2004 by online-surveys among young German mobile telephone users (see Wirth et al 2005). These studies had an exploratory function as a first effort to measure forms of appropriation.…”

“…Thirdly, as the critical driver of this cyclic process, an additional element is integrated into the model: Meta-communication (Wirth et al 2005). Thus, behavioral, normative and control beliefs, as well as the symbolical and practical behavior, are negotiated through communication among users, with producers and mass media -be it mass communication, personal influence or the simple demonstration and observation of one's mobile phone use.…”