Users' Perceptions of Wireless Networks Usage

Abstract

Wireless networks provide the most convenient way to access the Internet. This paper determines how the preliminary and advanced knowledge of wireless networks affect users’ perception and usage. Based on their knowledge, users develop certain emotional responses, which could affect their wireless network usage. This study identifies the effect of these emotional responses on users’ degree of use of wireless networks. Using data collected from 143 respondents, regression analyses reveal that wireless network usage is affected less by advanced wireless network knowledge and more by preliminary knowledge. The findings also show that the degree of usage depends on users’ ability to understand basic wireless network functionality and security. To motivate wireless usage, developers and designers of future wireless technologies do not need to overwhelm users with technical detail.