Toward an understanding of the impact of mobile data services on individual quality of life.

摘要

BROWN, WILEY STEVEN, Ph.D. Toward an Understanding of the Impact of Mobile Data Services on Individual Quality of Life. (2016) Directed by Dr. Prashant Palvia 211 pp. The ubiquity of information technology has increased at an exponential rate since the inception of the internet. This phenomenon has only been compounded by the ability to connect through wireless mobile devices. The concept of quality of life (QOL) has been a highly researched area in many different disciplines, although there is a dearth of research on this concept and how it relates to the field of information systems. This study examines how mobile data services (MDS) is used in a multitude of life domains and what influence this has on an individual's QOL. This research incorporates both qualitative/interpretive and quantitative methodologies to better understand this phenomenon. First we conduct interviews to gain a better understanding of the life domains influenced by MDS use and how these different types or use influence the QOL of individuals. Next a large scale quantitative survey is undertaken to test the hypothesized relationships emanating from the interpretive study. The survey is then administered in two different countries to test the significance national culture might play on MDS use. Findings suggest similar results from the U.S. and India and provide support for the usefulness of the research model and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory to explain how MDS use relates to an individual's QOL. Contradicting much of the literature on the negative effects of work-life conflict and MDS addiction, our findings suggest that individuals are motivated by certain needs and make rational decisions based on realized motivational needs. While work-life conflict and MDS addiction might have negative influence on relationships with friends and family, continued use of MDS leading to these behaviors was shown to be positively related to esteem and self-actualization needs, respectively. Findings also suggest cultural differences paired with economic dissimilarities between the U.S. and India from the qualitative and quantitative studies.