Perceived credibility of social networking technologies in Uganda’s institutions of higher learning

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to examine the influence of Perceived Credibility on the use of Social Networking Technologies (SNTs) in institutions of higher learning in Uganda. The Study evaluates the influence of Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Credibility on the adoption of Social Networking Technologies. Research Methodology: The study opted for cross sectional survey methodology to gather data from 146 institutions of higher learning on the variables captured by the modified Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Credibility construct. Findings: Results of correlation and regression analysis indicated that in addition to Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness, a positive and significant relationship exists between Perceived Credibility and SNTs adoption. Research Limitations: The Study was limited to senior managers, further research is recommended to investigate the perceived credibility of SNTs by Students and Lecturers because they are the actual users of such technologies. Practical Implications: This study suggests that managers of institutions of higher learning believe that a positive change in understanding and evaluating the source credibility, media credibility and content credibility of the teaching information exchanged on SNTs would increase reliance on the use of social networking technologies in education. Originality: This research provides an insight into the influence of perceived credibility on SNT adoption in the education context and besides, this study is one of the first studies to align perceived credibility as a significant predictor of SNT adoption in institutions of higher learning in Uganda.