Date of Completion

12-5-2016

Embargo Period

11-19-2016

Keywords

Exercise Apps, Self-Efficacy, Exercise, Uses and Gratifications, Structural Equation Modeling

Major Advisor

David Atkin

Associate Advisor

Mark Hamilton

Associate Advisor

Ross Buck

Field of Study

Communication Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

The rapid pace at which smartphone applications are currently diffusing through society have made them a very popular form of media. Smartphone applications (commonly referred to as apps) allow users the ability to complete a variety of media functions such as receive news updates, sport scores, view television programs, and listen to the radio. Exercise apps are a sub category of smartphone apps which allow users to monitor their exercise progress through the Global Positioning System included in most smartphones. To date, the motives for exercise apps have not been examined within the framework of Uses and Gratifications. This essay outlines a study designed to address user motives for exercise app use. Gratifications for competition, self-monitoring, informational and emotional social support are proposed. This essay proposes a model for exercise app use that includes uses and gratifications, self-efficacy and technology clusters. Study findings provide partial support of the hypothesized path model identifying the role of self-monitoring and personal goal achievement in smartphone exercise app use.

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