What drives continuance intention to share location-based information?

Abstract

'Check-in' is a popular social networking site (SNS) applications for mobile devices based on location-based services (LBSs). However, few studies have investigated factors which attract users to use and share such services with their friends. The present study proposes a framework based on network externalities, motivation theory, and privacy concerns. The research model was tested through a survey of 232 Facebook check-in users. Results suggest that factors such as network externalities, number of peers and perceived complementarity had a direct positive effect on four types of motivations: perceived enjoyment, satisfaction, expected relationship, and reward. Moreover, all motivations except reward had a significant impact on continuance intention to share location information. However, privacy concerns were found to have insignificant negative effect on intention. The implications of this research are discussed along with insights into development strategies for mobile applications using LBSs.