Understanding travel tracking mobile application usage: An integration of self determination theory and UTAUT2

• Published in: Tourism management perspectives 2022-04, Vol.42, p.100949, Article 100949
• Main Authors: Medeiros, Marcos, Ozturk, Ahmet, Hancer, Murat, Weinland, Jeffrey, Okumus, Bendegul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Self-determination theory; Social media; Technology acceptance; Travel mobile applications; UTAUT2
• ISSN: 2211-9736; 2211-9744
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2022.100949

By integrating the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan 1985) and a modified version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework (Venkatesh et al., 2012), this study aimed to investigate factors affecting travelers' intention to share their travel-related information on travel tracking mobile applications (TTMA). The proposed model was tested via structural equation modeling by using data collected from 305 mobile app users. The results revealed that effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, social benefits, self-image had a positive impact; and location privacy concern had a negative impact on users' intention to post travel-related information on TTMAs. The findings of the current study contribute to the literature in the context of technology acceptance in general, and TTMA acceptance in the travel and tourism industries in particular. The study results also provide practical implications, especially for entrepreneurs and tourism-related technology companies. •Tested users' acceptance and motivations towards novel mobile apps named Travel Tracking Mobile Applications (TTMA);•Adopted an integration of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2)•Results revealed increased predictability than original theories•Managerial implications for the tourism industry, destination organizations and mobile app developers were discussed