The adoption of mobile internet: industry and users experiences

Nowadays Internet and mobile phones are blending into portable devices such as smartphones. At the same time that mobile phones' sales are decreasing worldwide, smartphones, and consequently mobile internet (m-internet), are having an exponential growth. M-internet contributes to the emerging of new practices of mobile social networking and mobile communication, as these devices make it easier to maintain networks of relationships. Resulting from this convergence, contemporary mobile user experience also contributes to the blending of local and global through the permanent dynamic articulation of communication and coordination. This paper deals with the emerging adoption drivers of m-internet and the use patterns that characterize it, highlighting the importance of mobility for online activities and confronting the industry's and users' perspectives on the adoption of this technology, its patterns of use, motivating factors and type of activities performed online. Within a theoretical framework that articulates Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory and the theory of uses and gratification, this paper explores the connection between the nature of social interactions allowed by m-internet and the satisfaction of needs as key adoption drivers. In addition, the paper explores a gap in the expectations of the industry and users regarding m-internet adoption, pointing to social activities as an integrative and relevant part of m-internet service.