Adoption Of Mobile Apps Research Articles

Factors infuencing type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ readiness, acceptance and barriers towards mobile apps adoption for medication adherence

Factors infuencing type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ readiness, acceptance and barriers towards mobile apps adoption for medication adherence

Usability evaluation and reporting for mobile health apps targeting patients with skin diseases: a systematic review.

Usability is an important method for evaluating mobile health apps from a user perspective. Yet, many publicly available apps lack adequate attention to their design, development, and evaluation. To assess usability evaluation and reporting for mobile health apps targeting patients with skin diseases. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022347184). A search strategy combined terms for usability evaluation, user experience, skin disease and mobile health apps (search date from 2012 to 2023). Six databases (Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus) were searched, identifying 18052 results. Nine studies (comprising 9 apps) were included in the final analysis. Skin conditions/issues targeted included skin cancer (n=3), sun protection (n=3), and one study identified for each of the following: chronic pruritus/acne/psoriasis/rosacea/laser treatments/actinic damage/monitoring benign moles/alopecia/inflammatory rash/cutaneous leishmaniasis/spina bifida. All studies assessed app usability and feasibility, with the majority concluding that the apps were deemed useful and easy to use. Qualitative methods, such as usability questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, were predominantly employed. Common emerging themes included ease of use and navigation, comprehensibility, security/privacy concerns, data sharing issues, customizability, costs, and the ability to track progress or self-monitor. While smartphone applications for skin disorders show promising usability across diverse diseases, the limited literature compared to the rapid app development highlights the need for meticulous user-centered design and rigorous evaluation. The study emphasises the importance of evaluating and reporting usability findings to optimize the long-term adoption of mobile health apps, particularly those targeting skin diseases.

The Moderating Effect of App Trustworthiness and User Attitudes on Intention to Use Adopt Mobile Applications Among Employees in The Oil and Gas Industry

In today’s technologically advanced world, the adoption of mobile applications has become a transformative force across various industries, significantly impacting the way businesses operate and manage their processes. One area where mobile applications are making a remarkable impact is in the realm of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The integration of mobile applications in OHS practices has ushered in a new era of efficiency, accessibility, and data-driven decision-making, elevating workplace safety standards to unprecedented heights. Occupational health and safety are paramount concerns for organizations as they strive to create safe and healthy work environments for their employees. Historically, OHS management relied on manual and paper-based processes, which could be time-consuming, error-prone, and challenging to track comprehensively. However, with the advent of mobile technology, organizations now have the opportunity to streamline their OHS protocols, enhance communication, and proactively manage workplace risks, all through the convenience of mobile applications. This research aims to analyze the effects between perceived ease of use and the attitude towards the use of the mobile application. Perceived usefulness of applications on Attitude towards the use of the app, attitude towards the use of the app on intention to use the application. The population of this research is the employees from the oil and gas industry in Malaysia. The theory of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was applied. Perceived danger, perceived utility, perceived ease of use, and perceived intention to use were the antecedents for mobile apps. Employees’ intentions to use mobile applications were shown to be significantly influenced by their satisfaction with the information system and their inventiveness. In this study, devices were categorized as large or small according to their screen size, while respondents were categorized as young (<30 years old) or old (>30 years old) according to their age. A data collection of 545 responses to an online survey with 32 questions was obtained for analysis. The survey was distributed via email to respondents using a Survey among employees. The factors impacting the intention to use mobile applications were investigated using structural equation modeling. We looked at the moderating impact of the app’s trustworthiness on users’ intentions to use/adopt it. The variables’ responses for perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards the use of the App, trust (integrity) of the App, and intention to use/adopt the application varied significantly between the subgroups, according to the results. The study also showed the existence of moderating effects on the intention to use/adopt an app related to the trust integrity of the app. This paper discusses the survey, the findings, and the ramifications of the observations. This research contributes to the current literature by presenting empirical evidence on the importance of trustworthiness and user attitudes in mobile app adoption in the oil and gas industry. It also discusses the broader implications for improving workplace safety through the strategic use of mobile devices in OHS practices.

Adoption of mobile applications (apps) for information management in small agribusiness enterprises – an exploratory mixed-methods study of Farmer Producer Companies in India

Purpose Small farmers in India are collectivized and legalized as Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to progress in agri-food value chains as small agribusiness enterprises. FPCs are dependent on timely information for their sustainability and profitability. Mobile apps are a cost-effective form of information and communication technology. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the major determinants of mobile apps adoption by FPCs. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data are collected by administering a semi-structured questionnaire and conducting in-depth interviews with board members of 115 FPCs, with a total membership of 30,405 farmers operating in 14 districts of the state of Kerala, India. The logit model is used for quantitative analysis, while dialog mapping is used for qualitative analysis, based on an integrated technology acceptance model and technology organization environment framework. Findings Logistic regression results evidence that amongst FPC characteristics, while company size and age are significantly impacting apps adoption, there is no significant association between board size, education level, multiple commodities business or export intention of companies on apps adoption. Digital literacy and technical hands-on training for FPC board members are quintessential to facilitate mobile apps adoption. Practical implications The findings are pertinent to policymakers to earmark funds for technical handholding and digital upskilling of FPCs. The need for developing comprehensive, location-centric, farmer-friendly apps by agritech companies is evidenced. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a pioneering work in the domain of mobile apps adoption from a farmers’ agribusiness enterprise perspective in an emerging market economy using a mixed-methods approach.

Examining the dynamics of mobile banking app. Adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic: A digital shift in the crisis

Mobile banking applications (apps) have become crucial in maintaining financial services accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study leverages the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine Malaysian millennials' behavioral intentions toward mobile banking app adoption, aiming to aid banks in developing targeted strategies to expand their user base. Data collection was conducted from October 2020 to February 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was administered to 270 respondents using convenience and snowball sampling methods. The Sequential Least Square method was used for the analysis. Our findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, trust, and personal innovativeness significantly influence mobile banking app adoption intentions, whereas social influence and facilitating conditions do not. Demographic factors also modulate these relationships to varying degrees. These insights contribute to theoretical discussions on technology adoption and offer practical guidance for banks looking to enhance their digital service offerings in a post-pandemic landscape. This study underscores the shifts in consumer behavior triggered by the pandemic and highlights the ongoing potential for digital banking growth in Malaysia.

Assessing individuals’ attitude and behavioural intention to use dietary and fitness mobile applications: evidence from India

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the determinants of individuals’ attitude (ATT) and behavioural intention (BI) to use dietary and fitness mobile apps in the context of India.Design/methodology/approachThe present study develops a conceptual model by incorporating additional variables such as health consciousness (HC), perceived trust (PT), social influence (SI) and personal innovativeness (PI) into the original technology acceptance model (TAM). These constructs were extracted from existing theories and literature on technology adoption, individuals’ health beliefs and personality traits. The conceptual model has been empirically tested and validated by applying structural equation modelling using STATA version 15. The data was collected from both potential and actual users of dietary and fitness mobile apps through a structured questionnaire, both online and manually. Following a convenience sampling approach, a total of 450 respondents from Delhi national capital region (NCR) were contacted, of which 264 valid responses were considered for final analysis.FindingsThe results revealed that of all the factors predicting individuals’ “attitude” towards the use of dietary and fitness apps, perceived usefulness was found to be the most significant followed by PI and PT. Similarly, behavioural “intention to use” was most strongly determined by an individual’s attitude towards the usage of dietary and fitness apps followed by SI.Practical implicationsFindings of the study offer meaningful insights and implications for academics and practitioners. Mobile app developers and service providers can gain an understanding of the consumer’s behaviour towards adoption of dietary and fitness apps and improve the app’s utility, service quality, interface and features in view of the empirically validated determinants of such behaviour. Furthermore, it is essential for the service providers to undertake promotional efforts to not only create awareness of the availability of such apps but also at the same time educate people on the needs, functionalities and utilities they offer. Also, to gain a wider acceptance of the apps, focus on more communication and gamification/ entertainment features is required.Originality/valueThis study adds value by identifying the factors from varied perspectives (technical, social, health and personal) impacting individuals’ attitude and BI to use an innovative health intervention i.e. dietary and fitness mobile apps in a developing economy. Furthermore, the study proved the robustness of extended TAM in the area of healthcare. Lastly, this paper is among the few papers in the Indian context that assessed the adoption of dietary and fitness mobile apps.

Mobile Apps, Trading Behaviors, and Portfolio Performance: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment in China

Mobile Apps, Trading Behaviors, and Portfolio Performance: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment in China How do mobile apps influence individual investors’ financial decisions and performance? This study answers this timely and important question by using rare archival data from a large securities company in China using a sample of 20,665 investors. Authors find that mobile app adoption does not affect investors’ portfolio performance when one examines aggregate impacts using a binary indicator of mobile app use. Their additional analyses suggest that adopting mobile apps results in a noticeable decrease in time constraints, a proxy for transaction friction, and a modest increase in trend-chasing bias, reflecting tendencies toward myopic decision making. Because the reduction in time constraints can benefit investors’ performance, the increase in trend chasing can be detrimental to investors’ performance, these findings explain why mobile app adoption has no overall effect on portfolio performance. Further analyses of adopters’ postadoption behaviors provide interesting insights and show that the mobile app usage intensity has an inverted U–shaped relationship with portfolio performance. The results are robust to using different samples or excluding high market volatility periods and by using a variety of methods, such as propensity score matching, dynamic matching, stacked difference-in-differences, or an instrumental variable approach.

Сегментация пользователей мобильных приложений в омниканальном ритейле

A prominent issue now facing the retail industry is the process of digitization. The proportion of e-commerce sales in overall retail trade is expanding, and consumers are progressively emphasizing digital services. The prevalence of mobile applications and smart phones is likewise steadily rising. Several merchants provide smartphone applications that integrate online and brick-and-mortar purchasing. While there has been study on the adoption of mobile apps, there is a dearth of evidence about the categorization of users. This study used cluster analysis to categorize mobile app users in the multichannel retail industry. The catego rization is based on a survey conducted with a sample size of 300 consumers. The discovered results have potential utility in the advancement of forthcoming mobile applications for retail.

Unraveling farmers' interrelated adaptation and mitigation adoption decisions under perceived climate change risks

Climate change poses a risk to agricultural activity. Understanding farmers' behaviors is increasingly important for managing climate risks and improving their adaptive capacity. This study aims to identify the key risk-related drivers influencing several adaptation and mitigation strategies by adopting various Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies to reduce climate change vulnerability. We investigate the interrelated nature of the adoption of CSA technologies related to soil fertility, soil conservation, agroforestry, agro-advisory apps, and alternative coffee farming practices. To explore the role of the perceived risks related to CSA technology adoption, we constructed an extended model that combines protection motivation theory, perceived farmers' adoption risks and social and demographic determinants. We collected empirical data from 519 coffee farmers in Costa Rica and analyzed the data through a multivariate probit technique. The analysis reveals how the influence of perceived climate risks severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and perceived cost changes according to the CSA technology. As for the perceived adoption risks, we show that the adoption likelihood of CSA technologies focused on mitigation decreases with increasing perceived adoption risk. Other determinants, such as the number of coffee buyers and the farmers' membership in an organization, steer the adoption of soil fertility practices, agroforestry, and agro-advisory mobile apps. Main theoretical implications include the integration of the CSA adoption risk-related perceptions to the protection motivation theory, since it reflects on farmers' fear of potential losses or additional costs associated with implementing these practices. The finding gives a nuanced explanation of farmers' decisions under pressing climate change threats. Practical implications for increasing CSA adoption are that CSA promotion programs must consider that farmers see CSA technologies as interrelated in their adoption decisions, meaning that more fruitful synergies could be promoted by acknowledging the bundled adoption of multiple CSA technologies. Thus, promoting a mix of CSA technologies and practices is essential for achieving resilience while increasing productivity.

Driving user adoption of mobile apps through platform multihoming: The effects of multihoming delay and multihoming customization

Developers release their mobile apps through multiple app store ecosystems to extend their reach and reduce their dependency on a single distribution platform and its governance mechanisms. While this topic has piqued the interest of a growing number of studies, key multihoming decisions faced by developers including when to multihome mobile apps and whether and how much to customize them for the multihomed platform have not yet been jointly examined. In addition, the potential role that the user value of mobile apps (hedonic or utilitarian) plays in developers’ multihoming decisions has largely been overlooked. To address these gaps, the present study jointly investigates the effects of multihoming delay and multihoming customization on the user adoption of mobile apps on the multihomed platform. It further investigates the moderating effects of the user value of mobile apps. The study employed a large dataset of mobile apps that were initially released through Apple's App Store and subsequently multihomed into Google's Play Store (N = 24,906). By combining traditional count regression model with a machine learning approach, the study derives a range of theoretical and predictive insights that significantly contribute to the mobile app multihoming literature.

Doctors' Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study.

Different kinds of mobile apps are used to promote communications between patients and doctors. Studies have investigated patients' mobile app adoption behavior; however, they offer limited insights into doctors' personal preferences among a variety of choices of mobile apps. This study aimed to investigate the nuanced adoption behaviors among doctors in China, which has a robust adoption of mobile apps in health care, and to explore the constraints influencing their selection of specific mobile apps. This paper addressed 3 research questions: (1) Which doctors opt to adopt mobile apps to communicate with patients? (2) What types of mobile apps do they choose? (3) To what degree do they exercise personal choice in adopting specific mobile apps? We used thematic content analysis of qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with 11 doctors in Hangzhou, which has been recognized for its advanced adoption of mobile technology in social services, including health care services. The selection of participants was purposive, encompassing diverse departments and hospitals. In total, 5 themes emerged from the data analysis. First, the interviewees had a variety of options for communicating with patients via mobile apps, with the predominant ones being social networking apps (eg, WeChat) and medical platforms (eg, Haodf). Second, all interviewees used WeChat to facilitate communication with patients, although their willingness to share personal accounts varied (they are more likely to share with trusty intermediaries). Third, fewer than half of the doctors adopted medical platforms, and they were all from tertiary hospitals. Fourth, the preferences for in-person, WeChat, or medical platform communication reflected the interviewees' perceptions of different patient cohorts. Lastly, the selection of a particular kind of mobile app was significantly influenced by the doctors' affiliation with hospitals, driven by their professional obligations to fulfill multiple tasks assigned by the hospitals or the necessity of maintaining social connections with their colleagues. Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of doctors' adoption behavior regarding specific types of mobile apps for patient communication, instead of addressing such adoption behavior of a wide range of mobile apps as equal. Their choices of a particular kind of app were positioned within a social context where health care policies (eg, limited funding for public hospitals, dominance of public health care institutions, and absence of robust referral systems) and traditional culture (eg, trust based on social connections) largely shape their behavioral patterns.

Understanding mobile augmented reality apps in Pakistan: an extended mobile technology acceptance model

PurposeAugmented reality (AR) adoption has boomed globally in recent years. The prospective of AR to seamlessly integrate digital information into the actual environment has proven to be a challenge for academics and industry, as they endeavor to understand and predict the influence on users' perceptions, adoption intentions and usage. This study investigates the factors affecting consumers’ behavioral intention to adopt AR technology in shopping malls by offering the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM).Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual framework is based on mobile self-efficacy, rewards, social influence and enjoyment of existing MTAM constructs. A self-administered questionnaire, constructed by measuring questions modified from previous research, elicited 311 usable responses from mobile respondents who had recently used AR technology in shopping malls. This analysis was performed using SmartPLS3.0.FindingsGrounded on the findings of the study, it was found that, aside from factors such as mobile usefulness, ease of use and social influence, the remaining independent variables had the most significant impact on adopting AR technologies. Considering the limitations of this study, the paper concludes by discussing the significant implications and insinuating avenues for future research.Originality/valueTo better investigate mobile AR app adoption in Pakistan’s shopping malls, the researchers modified the newly proposed MTAM model by incorporating mobile self-efficacy theory, social influence, rewards and perceived enjoyment. However, the extended model has not been extensively studied in previous research. This study is the first to examine the variables that affect an individual’s intention to accept mobile AR apps by using a novel extended MTAM.

Understanding Drivers of Food Delivery Mobile App Adoption: An Empirical Study of Usage Intentions Among Paxel Platform Consumers in Indonesia

Understanding Drivers of Food Delivery Mobile App Adoption: An Empirical Study of Usage Intentions Among Paxel Platform Consumers in Indonesia

DIGITAL HEALTH TOOLS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW BETWEEN NIGERIA AND THE US

This comparative review evaluates and compares the impact and adoption of mobile apps and digital platforms, including Babyroo, in supporting breastfeeding mothers in Nigeria and the US. Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development, yet many mothers face challenges and require support. Digital health tools, such as mobile apps and online platforms, offer a promising solution to provide information, guidance, and support to breastfeeding mothers. Nigeria and the US were chosen for comparison due to their different healthcare systems, cultural norms, and levels of technological adoption. The review examines the features, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital health tools, particularly Babyroo, in supporting breastfeeding mothers in both countries. The findings reveal that digital health tools play a significant role in supporting breastfeeding mothers in both Nigeria and the US. Babyroo, in particular, offers a range of features such as breastfeeding tips, tracking tools, and online communities for mothers to connect and share experiences. However, the adoption of these tools varies between the two countries. In Nigeria, where access to healthcare services is limited, digital health tools like Babyroo can bridge the gap and provide essential support to breastfeeding mothers. In contrast, in the US, where healthcare services are more accessible, digital health tools serve as a supplement to traditional healthcare services, offering convenience and additional resources for breastfeeding mothers. Overall, the review highlights the potential of digital health tools, such as Babyroo, in supporting breastfeeding mothers globally. However, it also emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches and the need for further research to understand the impact and effectiveness of these tools in different cultural and healthcare settings.
 Keywords: Digital Health, Tools, Breastfeeding, Mothers, Comparative.

The Impact of Business Continuity on Supply Chain Practices and Resilience Due to COVID-19

Background: Business continuity entails the potential negative consequences of uncertainty on a firm’s ability to achieve strategic objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted business continuity due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures. Consequently, firms adopted specific supply chain (SC) practices to effectively navigate this global crisis. Methods: This research adopted a stochastic approach based on Bayesian Networks to evaluate the implications of business continuity on firms’ decisions to embrace SC practices, focusing on omnichannel strategies, SC coordination, and technologies such as artificial intelligence systems, big data and machine learning, and mobile applications. Results: Our findings revealed that firms facing disruption in a single performance area can apply specific strategies to maintain resilience. However, multiple areas of underperformance necessitate a varied approach. Conclusions: According to our empirical analysis, omnichannel strategies are critical when disruptions simultaneously impact quality, inventory, sales, and ROI, particularly during major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. AI and big data become vital when multiple risks coalesce, enhancing areas such as customer service and supply chain visibility. Moreover, supply chain coordination and mobile app adoption are effective against individual performance risks, proving crucial in mitigating disruption impacts across various business aspects. These findings help policy-makers and business owners to have a better understanding of how business continuity based on performance resistance to disruptions pushes companies to adopt different practices including new technologies and supply chain coordination. Accordingly, they can use the outputs of this study to devise strategies for improving resilience considering their supply chain vulnerabilities.

Unveiling the Dynamics: An Empirical Study on the Adoption of Mobile Shopping Apps among Malaysian Consumers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The growth of smartphone technology has facilitated the introduction of mobile shopping apps. These apps have revolutionized how people shop by providing convenient and accessible platforms for browsing, comparing, and purchasing products from the comfort of their mobile devices. This study aims to determine and understand factors that influence the adoption of mobile shopping apps among Malaysian consumers. Data were gathered via an online survey involving a sample of 319 mobile shopping app users in Malaysia. The data were then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 software. Findings indicate that perceived ease of use, and value consciousness have a significant positive effect on the adoption of mobile shopping apps but perceived usefulness did not have any significant influence. The findings can serve as a guideline for online retailers and marketers when formulating an effective marketing strategy to enhance the adoption of mobile shopping apps among Malaysian consumers.

The Rise of Fintech: A Performance Analysis of Retail Mobile Stock Trading Platforms in India

The financial landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation propelled by the rise of fintech solutions, notably mobile stock trading apps. These platforms have revolutionized the investment sector by eliminating traditional barriers and providing users with real-time market data, streamlined trading processes, and cost-effective brokerage services. The widespread adoption of mobile trading apps has resulted in a substantial surge in demat accounts and trading volumes, enhancing market liquidity and accessibility for a broader demographic. However, this rapid expansion underscores the importance of implementing robust regulatory measures to protect investors and uphold market integrity. As the fintech industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for stakeholders to prioritize financial literacy initiatives, responsible investing practices, and technological advancements to sustain growth and promote inclusive wealth creation. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering a culture of informed investing, mobile trading apps have the potential to drive financial inclusion and empower individuals across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to participate actively in the financial markets. Keywords: fintech, mobile trading apps, financial inclusion, regulatory measures, market integrity

In-App Coupons Versus Group-Coupons: The Impact of Mobile Marketing Strategies on Mobile Application Adoption

Global mobile marketers are intensifying efforts to promote mobile applications, yet little literature addresses the effectiveness of these strategies on consumer adoption. This study investigates the impact of two mobile marketing strategies—in-app coupons and group-coupons—on mobile app adoption, considering the installed user base moderation. Utilizing data from a Chinese shopping mall, this study shows that both strategies can foster adoption, with opposite moderating effects from existing adopters. Two experiments validate social influence and scarcity perception as underlying mechanisms. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of mobile marketing, urging global mobile marketers to consider this in their strategies.

How does technological innovation impact the service time and the attraction of new customers in the financial sector? Evidence from an emerging economy

Due to safety perceptions, Colombian banking clients prefer to visit bank branch offices instead of other channels. Thus, there are long waiting for lines at branch offices. Considering the need for more tools for strengthening and streamlining client service, the number of financial clients tends to diminish. In this context, this paper aims to measure the impact of technological innovation on the clients’ waiting time and the attraction of new customers. We propose a simulation-based methodology to analyze customer behaviors and forecast the diffusion effect on mobile app adoption. Furthermore, our study provides managerial insights and future research lines.

Two cities, two stages in transforming society-a mixed methods study comparing doctors' adoption of mobile apps for communication with patients in Hangzhou and Yancheng, China.

Mobile apps have become commonplace in doctor-patient communication over the last 20 years. Doctors mainly use two kinds of app, social networking apps (i.e., WeChat) and medical platform apps (i.e., Haodf). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the attributes of social interaction in local society impact doctors' choice of mobile apps to communicate with patients. This article addresses two research questions: (a) To what degree do doctors' adoption patterns in different societies differ? (b) Why do doctors choose certain mobile apps to communicate with patients? This study employed a mixed methods research design to analyze doctor's adoption behavior patterns in two cities, Hangzhou (HZ) and Yancheng (YC), which represent two stages in transforming society. Various patterns, measured as the percentage of doctors who utilize the medical platform app of Haodf among all doctors and the average service counts per doctor, were compared in three groups of tertiary hospitals: the top ones in HZ, the average ones in HZ, and the average ones in YC. We also conducted thematic content analysis of qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 20 purposely selected doctors in the two cities. The percentages of doctors who have adopted the app of Haodf from the three groups of tertiary hospitals were 49.97%, 41.00%, and 32.03%, with an average service counts per doctor of 261, 182 and 39, respectively. According to the interviewees, doctors from YC are more likely to use social networking apps to communicate with patients than their HZ counterparts to maintain social connections with their relatives, friends, colleagues, and others. This study demonstrates that doctors' choices of mobile apps are dependent upon social context. In traditional society, where people have close ties, the logic of using social networking apps lies in doctors' need to maximize the utility of their knowledge by maintaining social connections with others. In modern society, where the close ties between people have gradually weakened, the logic of using medical platform apps lies in doctors' needs for reputation marketing, either for themselves or for institutions, their affiliated departments or hospitals.