Understanding Social Networking Sites Use and Perceived Usefulness in Adolescents and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Technology Acceptance Model Approach

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the actual use of social networking services (SNSs) by adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and the factors influencing the perceived usefulness of SNSs among variables suggested in the technology acceptance model. Methods: The data of 60 participants using SNSs were analyzed using data from a panel survey on life with disabilities. Results: The results showed that the SNS use rate of individuals with intellectual disabilities was low, with Facebook being the most used SNS. The first reason for using SNSs was “being able to make friends without prejudice against disabilities.” Exploring the factors that affected the perceived usefulness of SNSs using multiple regression analysis showed that the variable with a significant relationship was self-efficacy, and the explanatory power was 62.3%. Conclusion: The possibility of using SNSs to expand the social relationship of adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities was discussed, and ways to improve their self-efficacy on SNSs were suggested.