Behavioural Intentions for Health by the Z Generation: A Fuzzy Cognitive Maps Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to examine behavioural intentions (acceptance attitudes) regarding the use of health information available on the Internet by representatives of the generation Z. We adapt the UTAUT model and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps for evaluating the acceptance attitudes and reasoning about young Internet users preferences. Design/Methodology/Approach: We present the results of research conducted in a group of 200 IT specialization students in 2019. A purposive sampling was used. The survey was conducted in a group of students of the Lublin University of Technology in June 2019. The group of respondents was a group of 200 students of Computer Science in full-time studies. The questionnaire was used as a research tool. The survey was conducted in the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) technique. Findings: Obtained results indicate that selected variables conditioning behavioural intentions and shaping mental attitudes are significant and internally consistent. Very strong correlations exist between the following constructs: effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. Conducted and presented studies have shown the possibility of identifying factors affecting acceptance attitudes using the UTAUT model and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps. Practical Implications: As more and more human activities are carried out with the use of the Internet, it becomes necessary to develop theories and models that will allow us to understand, explain and predict the behaviour of entities in the specific environment of the Internet. Therefore, further work on the use of acceptance models such as UTAUT is recommended. Originality/Value: The presented results of the pilot studies showed the possibility of identifying the factors influencing the intention of generation Z to use health information contained in the Internet using the UTAUT model. They allowed to identify the main determinants of the use of health information by young Internet users.