A conceptual model for behavioral intention of the elderly to use internet services in Iran

The main objective of this paper is investigating the most important factors impacting the behavioral intention of elderly people to use Internet in Iran. Fragmentary findings from reviewing Internet adoption literature are usually hypothesized using either the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) or The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Harmony (with lifestyle and device), perceived usefulness, and attitude are identified as the most significant drivers of intention to adopt Internet services in developing countries. Using insights from reviewing the literature, discussion with Internet provider, and results from an initial survey of 228 respondents that are Internet user (n=144) and non-Internet users (n=84) in Iran, a new conceptual model of intention to use Internet among elderly people is proposed. It is expected that elderly intention to adopt Internet in Iran is built on social influence, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, cost of services/devices, and knowledge acquisition. These factors are expected to be moderated by age and gender.