An Empirical Study of Instant Messaging Behavior Based on the Technology Assessment Model (TAM)

Instant messaging (IM) is an important form of synchronous electronic communications that has become extremely popular among teens and young adults. The communication offers unique advantages over email and other forms of communication but has not gained widespread support among corporate users. This study reviews instant messaging and its use and attempts to determine factors which influence its success. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), based on Davis’s work (1989), is used to model IM behavior. Generally, the study finds that TAM does model IM behavior. Both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are positively associated with intention to use instant messaging. Other relationships are explored and a modified TAM model for IM is proposed. This study has important implications for researchers to further explore IM and TAM and for practitioners who can use this model to influence and popularize an important synchronous form of communication.