An Examination of Adult Lifelong Learners’ Individual Innovativeness and Their Perceptions of Social Network-Based Learning

This study aimed to examine adult learners’ perceptions of social network–based learning, their levels of individual innovativeness, and the relationships among these factors. For this purpose, a quantitative research method with a correlational survey design was employed. The research sample consisted of adults enrolled in Public Education Centers in Yalova province during the 2023–2024 academic year. Participants were selected using a non-random purposive sampling method, with 363 adults aged 18–61 participating in the study. The data were collected using the Individual Innovativeness Scale and the Social Network–Based Learning Perception Scale. The results indicate that participants fall into the early majority of the innovation adoption curve, with generally low levels of individual innovativeness. Most participants’ perceptions of social network–based learning are moderate or above moderate. Adults’ perceptions of social network–based learning vary by age, duration of social network use, and number of friends on social networks, but not by gender or education level. A positive relationship was found between adults’ innovativeness and their perceptions of social network–based learning.