Limitations and future research
Limitations in this study are numerous. First, the sample is small and not representative of the population at large. This is partly by design, as only internet users were included in this sample. It is unknown, thus, if these same findings apply to older adults who do not use the internet. Their beliefs about SNS likely do not predict intention to use SNS because they lack the means through which to use these websites. Second, measures of attitudes about SNS may not be applicable for predicting intention to use in nonusers. Third, extensive news coverage during data collection may have affected results. Fourth, the overall statistic testing was simplistic. Some past study of the TAM has included advanced statis-tical methods like structural equation modeling and path analysis. Due to the small sample size and differences between users and nonusers, this study relied on simple regression.
For future research, first, projects should begin investigating individual usage patterns and factors influencing continued usage. For example, using Facebook today can include a wide variety of behaviors for different people. Currently, there is a dirth of under-standing about how varied usage patterns relate to perceptions of SNS. Second, future research should investigate differences in initial use and continued use. Finally, future research in this area should seek to guide future design of SNS, especially for use with older adults. A mismatch between the desires of older adults and the site design may detrimentally impact intention to use.