Given the difficulties in interpreting the multidimensional aspects of “use”—mandatory
versus voluntary, informed versus uninformed, effective versus ineffective,
and so on—we suggest “intention to use” may be a worthwhile alternative measure in
some contexts. “Intention to use” is an attitude, whereas “use” is a behavior. Substituting
the former for the latter may resolve some of the process versus causal concerns
that Seddon (1997) has raised. However, attitudes, and their links with behavior,
are notoriously difficult to measure; and many researchers may choose to stay with
“use,” but hopefully with a more informed understanding of it.