An SDT and TPB-based integrated approach to explore the role of autonomous and controlled motivations in “SNS discontinuance intention”

While the motivation to use social networking sites (SNS) has received ample attention in recent information systems (IS) research, what remains unknown is the motivation for discontinuance intention in SNSs including autonomous and controlled motivation. The literature lacks a cohesive model that explains discontinuance intention especially considering the complex role of autonomous and controlled motivations that influence the decision and future behavior. The current study aimed to provide empirical support for a motivational order in which self-determination theory (SDT) predicts the autonomous and controlled motivation, and theory of planned behavior (TPB) predicts the proximal prognosticator of intentions and behavior. Based on a survey (N = 397), the integrated model was tested to check the effects of user autonomous and controlled motivation including validation with structural equation modeling. Path analysis unveiled that the significant effects of autonomous and controlled motivation on discontinuance intentions were fully mediated by the proximal prognosticator from the TPB. Evidence from this unification supported the theoretical integration and proposed motivational sequence. The authors discuss the implications of these findings within the wider context of the darkside of information technology.