How does family support influence digital immigrants' extended use of smartphones? An empirical study based on IT identity theory

Abstract

The number of digital immigrants using new technologies such as smartphones is rapidly increasing. However, digital immigrants still struggle to actually use and benefit from digital technology. This article examines the role of family support in digital immigrants' use of more smartphone functions based on information technology (IT) identity theory. We surveyed 241 digital immigrants who owned smartphones and used structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) for analysis. We examined the contributing roles of family support for digital immigrants' IT identity and extended use behavior. Family cognitive and emotional support can shape IT identity by improving the smartphone‐related experience. Family support has a positive impact on digital immigrants' self‐efficacy, embeddedness, perceived usefulness, and perceived enjoyment of using a smartphone. Positive usage experience can also facilitate the establishment of IT identity, which is a key predictor of smartphone use behavior. A strong IT identity also promotes extended use behavior. We discuss the contributions and implications of our findings.