Understanding users' switching intentions and switching behavior on social networking sites

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) users' switching intentions and switching behavior. With regard to the former, the authors focus on three factors (perceived value, trust, and perceived risk), and investigate whether and to what extent habit moderates the relationship between SNS-switching intention and actual switching behavior. Design/methodology/approach - Data collection for this study was carried out using an anonymous survey. The questionnaire was devised based on the literature review. It consisted of a total of 34 items, all of which used the seven-point Likert scale, and was divided into nine sections. Data collection lasted for approximately three months from March to May 2015. Data analysis used SPSS and SmartPLS statistical software packages. First, the descriptive statistics were computed. Next, reliability as a measure of internal consistency was calculated. Then, the relations between all factors were explored. Findings - Before they switch, users usually evaluate the perceived values and risks of the SNSs they might join, as well as establish the degrees of trust with respect to those networks. Hence, this study is potentially useful to SNS providers planning their business strategies, and/or seeking to optimize their services based on a detailed understanding of the concerns of users and potential users. Originality/value - This study is of considerable importance to the future development of research on switching intention behavior theory and practice, adding to the body of work on specific frameworks that explain the SNS-switching intention and behavior. The main theoretical implication is that the epistemic value component of the perceived value may not significantly affect switching intentions, at least in the SNS context. In addition, the results regarding the moderating effects of habits are a useful confirmation, in the SNS context, of the findings of a small but important body of prior studies.