Understanding the factors affecting elderly users' intention to use mobile social networks: a study of elderly Chinese WeChat users

The aging population around the world is increasing, so is the number of elderly users of social networks. However, most of the existing research take the middle-aged and the young as their research samples. Meanwhile, the existing research on elderly users' usage behaviour are lacking theoretical innovation. Understanding what will influence the attitude and intention of elderly users will benefit developing social network products that meet the needs of them and enhance the sense of satisfaction and well-being of them. Based on previous studies and information ecological theory, this paper develops a model to understand elderly users' attitudes and intentions in using mobile social networks. The survey approach is used for data collection and structural equation modelling is used to process the data. The study found that the factor of information has the greatest influence on the intention of elderly users, followed by the information environment and information technology.