The Effects of Messenger Factors and Sense of Presence on Value of Location-based Service Review: A Perspective of Co-presence Theory

Abstract

With the popularization of wireless networks and global positioning system (GPS) applications the features of location-based service (LBS) apps such as convenience and speed have become the newest information search tools Users only need to touch their smartphone screens to find the nearby services they’re searching for (e g restaurants banks and etc ) Current review systems for LBS apps are mostly anonymous This study adopts co-presence theory to explore that whether linking LBS apps with SNSs can enhance the value of LBS reviews 426 valid questionnaires were collected by using an online-based survey The structural equation model (SEM) was adopted for data analysis The results indicated that messenger factors have positive effects on source credibility; sense of presence also has positive effects on co-presence with the exception of telepresence Source credibility and co-presence both have positive effects on the value of LBS reviews In addition content quality doesn’t have a moderating effect but the relationship between source credibility and the value of LBS reviews is partially mediated by content quality This study suggested that LBS apps developers should link LBS apps with SNSs It would enhance the source credibility of information and in turn earn users’ trust and their perception of the value of LBS reviews LBS apps developers also have to be aware of privacy concerns once reviewers disclose their identities so reviewers can review without any concern Thus developers will be able to upgrade the penetration rate of LBS apps and increase their profits

Date of Award	2014 Aug 22
Original language	English
Supervisor	Hsin-Hsin Chang (Supervisor)