Internet usage, Internet anxiety and needs for information

The objective of this study is to investigate the individual difference in Internet usage behavior. This study examined the need for information and the Internet anxiety as the major determinants of differences among individuals. An Internet survey was administrated to identify how these determinants are related to Internet usage behaviors. The results revealed the three factors of the need for information, with the need for acquiring information being satisfied with web-based Internet functions, while the need for transmitting information was fulfilled through the use of e-mail and other personal communication functions. Moreover, the Internet survey suggested that the need to possess information should not necessarily be tied to Internet use. Of all the Internet anxiety factors, only the lack of Internet self-efficacy had an influence on Internet usage. The lack of Internet self-efficacy tended to inhibit Internet use during activities such as e-mailing, web browsing, and bulletin board perusal. Other factors, such as anxieties surrounding social networks or difficulties experienced when using the Internet, did not have any effect on general Internet usage. This suggests that the difference between people who frequently use the Internet and people who do not is whether or not they have the ability to use the Internet efficiently