Computer-Mediated Social Ties as Predictors of SNS Usage Continuance

The present article is a multi-method work in progress about the post-adoption phase of information systems, and more specifically it investigates the usage continuance of Social Networking Sites (SNS). We use the theoretical framework of Gift Theory applied within the context of SNS. We define the concept of computer-mediated social tie (CMST). In our work we use both qualitative and quantitative data and methods. From our qualitative data we found that CMST explains SNS usage continuance. Using these qualitative data we developed scales for this new construct. We are currently collecting quantitative data in order to verify our qualitative findings. We expect results to confirm the linkage between CMST and usage continuance.