The effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of flow experience on mobile social networking service (SNS) users' loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 305 valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) technology was employed to examine the research model.

Findings

The results show that both information quality and system quality significantly affect users' trust and flow experiences, which further determine their loyalty. The results indicate that flow experience is the strongest determinant of users' loyalty.

Practical implications

Mobile SNS providers need to consider user experience when seeking users' loyalty. They should enhance information quality and system quality in order to improve user trust and flow experience.

Originality/value

Although much research has been conducted to explore the effects of extrinsic motivations, such as perceived usefulness, on mobile commerce user behavior, the effect of intrinsic motivations, such as flow experience, is seldom tested. This research found the effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty to be significant.

Citation

Zhou, T., Li, H. and Liu, Y. (2010), "The effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 110 No. 6, pp. 930-946. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635571011055126