Motivational, affective and cognitive factors and Internet use: Explaining the digital divide and the Internet paradox

What causes people to use or not use the Internet? What effects does Internet use have on people? A model of Internet use is proposed that addresses these questions by considering motivational, affective, and cognitive factors as antecedents and consequences of Internet use. These factors help to explain the digital divide and suggest ways to reduce it. These factors also help to explain the Internet paradox, and suggest that personal characteristics and contextual factors moderate relationships between Internet use and personal and interpersonal outcomes. >

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Internet Uses and Gratification Model[/caption]