User attitudes and perceptions toward information technology

Abstract

Understanding why information technology is accepted or rejected by society has become one of the most challenging issues for researchers in our field. In order to understand personal attitudes toward communication and information technology (CIT), some researchers attempt to identify user perceptions of efficacy, anxiety, satisfaction, and usefulness, based on attitude factors. We discuss some of the primary research findings related to user attitudes and perceptions toward information technology. In addition, we review key studies that have implemented these assessment methods, within both the general context of computer use and the specific environment of web technology. We conclude that the level of technological sophistication and capacity are less relevant to effective implementation than positive user attitudes toward the technology.