The effect of communication, writing, and technology apprehension on likelihood to use new communication technologies

Abstract

This study explores the role of computer anxiety, communication apprehension, and writing apprehension in predicting future use of new communication technologies. Past research has rarely examined these constructs as predictors of future use and has not considered the impact of writing and communication apprehension on text‐based and phone‐based technologies, which are used primarily for interaction. Survey results from 178 undergraduate students tend to support hypotheses about the relevance of computer anxiety and communication apprehension in predicting future technology use, but not those with regard to writing apprehension. Furthermore, past experience appears to be a strong predictor of future use; however, gender differences are rare. The implications of these findings for educational contexts are discussed.