Factors affecting credibility in adoption and utilization of information and communication technology by the end users: the case of internet and mobile phone users in Tanzania

The purpose of this paper is to find out the factors that might be the reason for the utilization of the ICT features to especially Internet’s and mobile phones’ end users in developing countries (DCs). The study examined three independent variables; the driving forces, the preconceptions, and the underlying structures that seem to affect the credibility in adoption and utilization of ICTs in the DCs. The research used questionnaire to collect data from about 200 respondents in Dar es Salaam region. It also used Chi Square tests for data analysis tool to test the given hypotheses. The findings from the study show that right knowledge and awareness of that knowledge is a key factor for utilizing credibly the ICT’s products and services. Furthermore, some alarming issues say the taboos, hearsays, and false knowledge, that mostly are a result of political, historical and cultural background, seem abound among the end users in DCs. These factors though not publicly admitted they in many ways affect the users’ credibility and hence the adoption and utilization of the ICTs. The study sheds light to all ICT stakeholders to empower the end users to ensure that the technology is boldly accepted and effectively utilized with no regrets. The study suggests that right information about technology should be imparted to the end users at all levels to replace the useless talks and beliefs. It invites governments in DCs to put reasonable focus towards growing technology in their homes’ culture.