Paper Title
APPLYING USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE PROCESSES TO UNDERSTAND STUDENTS’ PERVASIVE ADOPTION OF YOUTUBEAbstract
This research paper delves into the widespread adoption of social networking sites (SNSs) among university students, emphasizing the factors contributing to their deep engagement and immersion in these platforms. While previous studies have extensively covered the addictive tendencies associated with SNSs, our study focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of the factors driving the enthusiastic acceptance and integration of SNSs into students\' lives.
The study addresses a gap in prior research by exploring the comprehensive adoption of SNSs, particularly the pervasive adoption characterized by the extent to which users willingly embrace and make these platforms integral to their lives. The research is grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and the Social Influence (SI) Processes Framework, both of which highlight individual needs, gratifications, and social imperatives as key factors influencing SNS adoption.
Drawing on data from diverse social and personal needs, the study identifies various motivations driving students\' pervasive adoption of SNSs, such as boosting personal creativity, self-expression, and social motivations like strengthening bonds, collaboration, community engagement, and relationship enhancement. The research employs UGT to explore the connections between individual needs and gratifications and SNS usage, shedding light on how information seeking, self-discovery, entertainment, and social enhancement impact the pervasive adoption of SNSs. The study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on SNS adoption by providing valuable insights into the factors influencing students\' deep engagement with and immersion in these platforms. By concurrently considering individual needs, gratifications, and social influence, the research seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the pervasive adoption of SNSs among university students.
KEYWORDS : Gratifications, Individual Need, Pervasive Adoption, Social Networking Sites, SNS Adoption, Social Influence Processes Framework, University Students, Uses and Gratifications Theory.