Understanding Students’ Mobile Technology Usage Behavior During COVID-19 Through Use & Gratification and Theory of Planned Behavior

The main purpose of the study was to validate the Use and Gratification (U&G) theory and examine the effect of U&G (entertainment, information seeking, and socializing) on the theory of planned behavior (Perceived behavioral control and attitude toward behavior) among students regarding mobile technology usage in COVID-19. Quantitative research design was employed for conducting the study. Data was collected using the survey method. The population consisted of students currently enrolled in a public sector university in Lahore. A questionnaire in online form was used for collecting data from students. SPSS software was used for descriptive analysis and SmartPLS was used for path analysis and hypotheses testing. The study identified that there was an insignificant impact of getting entertainment on students’ attitudes and their perceived control toward mobile technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings showed that students used mobile technology for information seeking and socializing as there was a significant impact of information seeking and socializing on their attitude toward the use of mobile technology. Current study provides insight into the usage behavior of students regarding mobile technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides, how mobile technology motivators (getting entertainment, information seeking, and socializing) work for mobile technology usage behavior in crises, especially COVID-19 pandemic. Findings are helpful for government authorities in decision-making regarding the provision of information through mobile technology during emergencies.