The Effect of Social Network Service Characteristics on perceived Ease of Use and Usefulness

Abstract

SNS (Social network service) characteristics are perceived to simplify use. We carried out empirical studies on these parameters to observe the impact on the image of catering SNS online by word-of-mouth. The subjects of the study were as follows: 32.3% (392 persons) 19 years old, 67.7% (821 persons) over 19 years, 51.0% (619 persons) in their 20s, 22.1% (268 persons) in their 30s, 17.6% in their 50s, and 9.3% (112 persons) over 50 years. After verifying the hypothesis proposed that SNS characteristics perceived the ease of use, the significant factor identified in usability were connectivity Speed (β=0.213), playfulness (β=0.246), information (β=0.115), and reciprocity (β=0.357). Dual reciprocity had the most impact. It was observed that a longer impact of these significant factors improved the feel and fun of use. If SNS companies cater to, quick and easy, diverse, reliable and latest information, they can increase the ease of use, and availability, depending on the goals. Also, significant factors in the SNS features and online word of mouth was playfulness (β=0.312), information (β=0.207), reciprocity (β=0.066) and perceived ease of use, and usefulness (β=0.293), double playfulness had the maximum impact. These features provided more fun, reliable information, and could quickly deliver the latest information. The more the perceived usefulness, and ease of use, higher was the online word-of-mouth effect. SNS usage characteristics of connectivity Speed did not show any statistical significance in online word-of-mouth. Thus, catering businesses need to find ways to increase the ease of use, make the usefulness multifaceted, constantly checking the catering information on the SNS and ensuring to get the latest information is from diverse and reliable sources. This would increase the fun for the customer making the SNS to actively be utilized as a marketing tool.